| In today's economy, homeowners are increasingly | | | | Energy use standards vary according to the |
| interested in green home remodeling, especially | | | | product. Manufacturers test their appliances and |
| when it comes to a kitchen or home-office | | | | then apply for the Energy Star label. In order to |
| remodeling project. These are rooms that house | | | | qualify: |
| a lot of energy-eating appliances and electronics, | | | | - Products must use significantly less energy than |
| such as refrigerators, washing machines, | | | | non-efficient counterparts. |
| computers, and printers, but how do you ensure | | | | - Products must offer expected features and |
| that you are getting the most efficient gadgets | | | | performance for their category. |
| during your home renovation? Look for the | | | | - If a product costs more than its less-efficient |
| Energy Star label. | | | | competitor, the consumer must be able to |
| Most people know that Energy Star-rated | | | | recover the cost difference in a reasonable |
| appliances can save you energy and money, but | | | | amount of time. |
| how much? What if a rated appliance costs more | | | | - Products must be labeled with energy |
| than a non-rated competitor? Is it really worth it? | | | | information that allows consumers to choose |
| The answer to these questions lies in the details | | | | among different Energy Star-labeled products. |
| of program. | | | | You May Qualify for a Tax Credit |
| Program Details | | | | If you're planning or have started a home |
| Energy Star, a federal government program, sets | | | | remodel, 2010 is a particularly great time to |
| energy-efficiency standards for a wide variety of | | | | purchase an Energy Star-rated product. As part |
| appliances and electronics. These standards are | | | | of the Recovery Act, the federal government |
| periodically reviewed and made more stringent, | | | | has given individual states money for a special |
| usually when the rated products achieve a 50% | | | | rebate program for appliances. Each state |
| market share in their category. That way, the | | | | determines what kind of Energy Star-rated |
| label will always apply to today's most | | | | appliances qualify for the rebates and sets the |
| energy-efficient models - not those that were | | | | rebate amounts. Find out what your state offers. |
| efficient in 1998. | | | | |