Extension Promotes ENERGY STAR Appliances

Auburn, Sept. 23, 2003 --- The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, along with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, encourages Alabamians to buy ENERGY STAR products --- products that may cost more upfront but that provide long-term savings in energy costs.

Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month in Alabama.  Throughout the month, Extension offices will provide consumers with information about purchasing ENERGY STAR products.  Consumers are also encouraged to visit the Energy Star Web site, www.energystar.gov, or call the hotline 1-888-STAR-YES for more information.

ENERGY STAR is a label identifying energy-efficient products that meet guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. 

ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances meet strict energy efficiency criteria without sacrificing performance or design. 

More than 30 categories of appliances currently carry Energy Star labels, including refrigerators, room air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes washers and dehumidifiers. 

Office equipment such as computers, fax machines and copiers also carry the label, saving energy by entering a low-power sleep mode when not in use.

Supporters of ENERGY STAR-labeled heating and cooling equipment say that it is an investment that will save money and energy while maintaining the comfort level in both the home and office.

The average home has approximately 30 lights.  By replacing the bulbs in the five most frequently used lights in one’s home with ENERGY STAR lighting, homeowners can reap savings of more than $60 a year. 

Studies have shown refrigerators are the highest energy-consuming appliance in the home.  Even so, consumers can save an extra $30 to $50 annually in utility costs by replacing refrigerators with ENERGY STAR-labeled products. 

Most ENERGY STAR-labeled refrigerators use less than a 75-watt light bulb and will last an average 14 years.  Recovery cost of the ENERGY STAR feature can be realized in two to six years.

In an effort to acquaint more Alabamians to these products, both organizations will be providing ENERGY STAR exhibits at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery, Oct. 3 through 12 and at the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Oct. 17 through 26.

(Source: Barbara Mobley, Extension Program Specialist, 334-844-2225.)

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