EnergyStar is a government-backed program that has been promoting energy efficiency and protecting the environment since 1992. In 2007, the program helped Americans reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 27 million cars - all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.
The Energy Star website reports that replacing a refrigerator made in 1990 with a new, energy-efficient model could save enough money to light the average home for nearly four months. Now, Energy Star is expanding its scope.
In addition to major appliances, office equipment, thermostats, and more, the EPA has extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet certain standards for energy efficiency.
And as of January first, new Energy Star specifications for cable, satellite, and telecommunications set-top boxes went into effect. If all these components sold in the U.S. met these requirements, energy cost savings would be about $2 billion each year.