Last Updated on April 9, 2024

The Energy Star certification is a super important advancement made in the eco living space. Not only do energy efficient appliances backed by ES save you money, but they also conserve precious resources like water and electricity.

Eco friendly appliances backed by an Energy Star certification have so many benefits for you and for the planet! Fridges alone count for about 20% of your electric bill, so imagine the money saved by purchasing an Energy Star refrigerator — let alone pairing it with an Energy Star dishwasher and/or Energy Star washer. Not to mention the metric tons of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions!

energy efficient appliances

Searching for a new appliance or electronic? Chances are you’ll come across the “Energy Star” certification – a blue sticker with a star on it in the corner of appliances such as washing machines and fridges. But what exactly is this label and why do you need it? 

90% of American households recognize the logo, making it one of the most widely recognized consumer symbols in the nation. Products certified with this label can help lower electric bills and save energy. 

In 2019 alone, the Energy Star certification and ES’s partners helped Americans avoid $39 billion in energy costs. These savings translate to the equivalent of 390 million metric tons of emission reductions in greenhouse gases. 

In order to be Energy Star qualified, products must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. It’s important to note that eco friendly appliances labeled “energy-efficient” may use less energy but may not meet the strict standards to be an Energy Star product.   

They’ve also created a newer, top-tier label called “Most Efficient.” It was created in 2011 to highlight innovative, best-of-the-best products.  

While the criteria for earning the Energy Star label is infrequently updated, requirements for ranking on the “Most Efficient” list are revised annually. And recently, the EPA kicked gas-burning heaters and clothes dryers off its “Most Efficient” list. 

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, you’re in luck: I’ve rounded up 18 Energy Star appliances for your home. Every appliance on this list will keep your energy bill down and reduce energy waste.  

how does the energy star certification work? 

Energy Star is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency that can be found on thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations. The Energy Star symbol ensures that each particular device is an energy-efficient product.  

The Energy Star program was established in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the authority of the Clean Air Act Section 103(g). The EPA ensures each product that earns the Energy Star label is independently certified to deliver the efficiency, performance, and savings that consumers expect.  

do eco friendly appliances make a difference ? 

Energy Star does make a difference both on your electricity bill and how much energy you save. On average, an Energy Star certified appliance will use anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy each year than a non-energy efficient equivalent. It’s worth noting that the average home appliance lasts 10 to 20 years – so Energy Star will help you save for years to come. 

Reducing energy use limits the number of carbon emissions in the environment. Most outlets pull electricity from nearby power plants. These power plants typically burn fossil fuels which release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

These power plants also emit other harmful air pollutants, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, that lead to unhealthy air. By switching to energy efficient appliances, we can reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution.

what’s the difference between high-efficiency and energy star? 

The difference between high-efficiency (HE) and Energy Star is that HE pertains only to washing machines. If you have a HE washing machine, it features technology that helps reduce the amount of water and energy needed to do a load of laundry. 

However, the Energy Star label can be used for a variety of appliances, not just washing machines. Energy Star appliances will save you 10% to 50% of the energy required, depending on the comparison model. 

Most HE washing machines are also Energy Star compliant. An Energy Star washer uses about 25% less energy and 33% less water than a regular washer. Over the lifetime of the product, washers that have earned the ES label can save $370 in energy costs. 

Best rule of thumb? Look for a washer that has the Energy Star label and is HE. This will save you the most amount of money and water.  

the best appliances with an energy star certification

Now that you know what ES is, here are 18 energy efficient appliances that’ll save you money on your electric bill while saving the planet. Each of these appliances has earned the Energy Star label and some are even on the coveted “Most Efficient” list.

I’ve organized them into separate categories: Energy Star dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners. There’s something for everyone, whether you have a small or big space to work with — I’ve taken it all into account. Feel free to jump to whichever section suits your needs.

energy star refrigerators

Almost 20 percent of your electric bill is from your refrigerator! So it’s essential you get one that’s energy efficient, like one of these Energy Star refrigerators.

---

---

---

dryers

It takes a lot of energy to dry your clothes. While air drying on a clothing line might be the most eco-friendly option, it’s not viable for everyone. Here are some energy efficient dryers you can stack or situate next to a washer.

---

---

---

energy star washers

Washing machines use up a lot of energy to get our clothes clean. Here are some energy efficient options.

---

---

---

energy star dishwashers

Even a non Energy Star dishwasher actually saves more water than handwashing! But you can save even more energy by purchasing one of these dishwashers.

---

---

air conditioners

Staying cool doesn’t have to mean a super high electricity bill. Give one of these wall units a shot, if you don’t have access to central cooling.

---

---

faqs

are energy star appliances more expensive?

Up front, they may be more expensive than their competitors. However, in order to be certified, that price tag must be offset by quantifiable savings in energy costs down the line as mandated by the EPA.

how do companies get an energy star certification?

They apply for the certification directly through Energy Star. There’s a strict set of criteria set by the EPA or the Department of Energy they must meet in order to use that label in their facility or on their appliances.

are energy star appliances tax deductible?

Actually, yes! Thanks to the recent Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a broad selection of ES certified equipment is eligible for energy efficiency home improvement tax credits until 2032.

which appliances use the most energy/are the best to replace with energy efficient options?

Refrigerators use the most energy in almost any household. Replacing an old, clunky refrigerator will make the most difference if you can only manage one swap. Next are your dishwasher, washing machine, and smart thermostat!

Do you own any Energy Star appliances? Which is your favorite?