Don't Just Buy Energy Star Products. Look for the "Most Efficient"

While all Energy Star-labeled products are more efficient than average, some models out-perform. Now, consumers will see which televisions, clothes washers, central air conditioners and (soon) refrigerators will save them the most on energy bills.

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By Dan Shapley

Energy Star-labeled appliances and electronics save consumers money because they use significantly less energy than the average competitor. But among Energy Star products, some are more efficient than others. For the first time the government will clearly identify these "most efficient" products so consumers can easily spot the products that will save the most on electricity bills.

The "most efficient" initiative launched this week with lists of clothes washers, televisions and central air conditioners and air source heat pump equipment. Refrigerators are coming soon.

There are 15 clothes washers, 18 televisions and four central air conditioning units on the "most efficient" list, but dozens of models in each category that have earned the basic Energy Star label.

The Energy Star program recommends replacing central air conditioners that are more than 12 years old, estimating that homeowners could save over $300 annually on electricity costs by choosing an Energy Star model. Televisions that don't meet Energy Star standards can use as much electricity as refrigerators, and options on the "most efficient" list range from $129 15-inch models to $2,700 55-inch HDTVs. Energy Star clothes washers use less than two-thirds the energy of average models, and half the water.

So if you're looking to buy a new product in one of these categories, don't just buy an efficient model, but consider one of the most efficient models.

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