The Energy Star label has been the official US designation for appliances with low energy requirements since the program was first introduced by President George Bush in 1992. The label helps people save money while reducing the electrical burdens on their homes, and now it's at risk under President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, May 6, CNN reported that, under the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency is planning its "next phase of organizational improvements," which includes the elimination of the Energy Star program.
Energy Star ratings aren't only for refrigerators and heat pumps -- they also apply to home devices like smart plugs and thermostats. Given how much extra energy smart devices can tap, those ratings are important for managing electricity use around your home.
Energy Star acceptable logos to watch for.
"Heating and cooling your home is likely your largest energy expense," said Energy Trust of Oregon when I asked about key savings spots. "Using a smart thermostat to save a little energy every day can really add up. That's especially true if paired with other energy-saving changes like making sure your home is properly insulated, sealing any gaps or cracks around doors, windows and ducts, or switching to an energy-efficient heat pump."
If you're looking for energy-saving options like these, here are the best brands and devices with Energy Star certification.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats save money while using relatively little electricity.
While smart thermostats tend to have LED displays and touchscreens, they're designed to use little power and often turn off when no one is active nearby, saving energy. Models with Energy Star certification include Nest thermostats, Sensi models, some Ecobee thermostats, and thermostats from Honeywell Home.
Because thermostats tie into heating and cooling, they not only save electricity in their own right but can also save a whole lot of energy for the rest of your home, too. That makes them an excellent place to start cutting down on energy use.
Light Fixtures
Recessed lights can be just as smart as bulbs.
Light fixtures refer to lights that are wired into a home, instead of light bulbs that you replace. Smart home brands make several smart fixtures like these with Energy Star ratings, including models from our top picks like Philips, Wiz and many more. Take a look at this Philips recessed light kit to learn more, like how you can control it and change colors with an app.
Light strings
Light strings can save on energy, too.
Light strings are typically more decorative than fixtures, with smart features that allow them to change between many different color schemes. We have several examples from brands like Philips, Nanoleaf and Govee. You can find Energy Star string lights in most holiday sections or stores, just look for that blue star logo when you buy.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can use a lot of electricity.Â
Dehumidifiers are a godsend for wetter climates, but they can use up large amounts of electricity, especially when they have to work for hours at a time. Energy Star models will help keep running costs low, while smart picks from Homelabs, Frigidaire, Carrier, Honeywell Home and more can be controlled with apps or even connected to your smart thermostat for automation.
Air conditioners
Air conditioners benefit greatly from energy-saving ratings.
You can check out smaller air conditioners on our list of the best portable air conditioners and our top picks for window AC units. When the days get hot, devices like these can use immense amounts of electricity working to keep things cool.
Look for models with smart features, like the ability to control remotely via app and voice assistants, and Energy Star ratings. Even better, look for models certified "most efficient" from brands like Midea, LG, Hisense, Gradient and others.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs can benefit from Energy Star ratings and more.
Today's smart TVs can serve as home hubs and even give you live views through your security cameras on demand. But they can also use a lot of power, especially if left on for long periods of time, along with other entertainment equipment. A smart plug can help with power control, but a work-free start is to look for TVs that have Energy Star ratings. Brands like LG and Samsung are great places to begin your search.
Water heaters
Water heaters can offer smart features and energy-saving options as well.Â
Water heaters can be surprisingly smart, too, with tools like Aquanta's controller and similar equipment that monitor and automatically optimize water heating, much like smart thermostats do for temperature. You can enhance the savings even more by choosing an Energy Star model from brands like American Standard, ACIQ, Friedrich and Rheem. Or you can really lean into savings by switching to a tankless or solar water heater.
Energy monitoring devices
Smart-energy monitoring is another option endorsed by Energy Star.
Energy Star also incorporates broad systems called SHEMS or Smart Home Energy Management Systems, which use technology to unite many Energy Star devices (thermostats, lighting, smart meters, monitor add-ons, security systems, etc.) and put them all under one automated energy use plan to save electricity.
Technically, SHEMS are turnkey systems you'd discuss with an authorized smart home installer. However, you can make your own version with an Emporia Energy Monitoring device and associated Emporia smart plugs, or look up smart meter options with your local utility.
EV chargers
An electric vehicle charger, like this one in the model home at Hillside at O'Brien Farm, can be connected to a virtual power plant and help slash energy demand during peaks.
Finally, if you have a home EV charger or are interested in installing one, note that these garage devices can also have Energy Star ratings. EV chargers from brands (AC and DC) like Schumacher, Pando Electric, ChargePoint, Legrand, Tesla, EvoCharge and many others can qualify to help you save even more.
For more smart money management, review how smart thermostats can save you energy, how to use a smart home to save on electricity bills and how home security can give you discounts every month.Â