The bright blue ENERGY STAR® label helps you find the most energy efficient products, but what does it take to get that label? ENERGY STAR rated products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy.

About 1,700 manufacturers in more than 50 product categories participate voluntarily. It’s a win for the manufacturers, because the label boosts sales, as well as the environment.

ENERGY STAR product development teams at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy assess product categories using these criteria:

1) Significant energy savings can be realized on a national basis.

For example, improving television efficiency by even a small amount reduces overall energy use significantly, because there are so many televisions. At the other end of the spectrum, ENERGY STAR heat pumps save a substantial amount of energy per unit.

2) Product performance can be maintained or enhanced with increased energy efficiency.

For the ENERGY STAR label to be an attractive purchasing tool, it needs to apply to products with the features and performance shoppers want. In some cases, this means that ENERGY STAR standards are designed to bring about an improved product that will appeal to consumers. A good example of this is compact fluorescent bulbs.

3) Purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency within a reasonable period of time.

The savings must be such that any extra cost is paid for through energy savings in a relatively short time.

4) Energy efficiency can be achieved with several technology options, at least one of which is non-proprietary.

The standards are designed to not favor one manufacturer over another.

5) Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.

This testing is usually based on procedures from engineering or industry organizations, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

6) Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.

The specifications are designed to highlight the most efficient products, typically the top 25 percent. As more manufacturers meet the standards, the ENERGY STAR program revises them for more energy savings.