Energy Star is the internationally recognized symbol which is bestowed only on the top 25% of the most energy efficient products.

The consumer products which are included in the Energy Star rating system are home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines; electronic products including televisions and computers; and office equipment like printers and copy machines.

IDT Energy suggests that the next time you need to replace an old appliance, or purchase a new electronic device, look for the Energy Star to save money on your power costs.

In order to be eligible for the tax savings the fenestration must be approved as Energy Star products. These products are easily available and have been tested to meet a high standard of energy efficiency.

IDT Energy believes it makes sense to participate in this tax program and begin saving on one’s energy bill while helping save energy for the future.

If you are purchasing new appliances, always look for the Energy Star label. These appliances are built specifically for energy conservation. For example, the dishwashers use less hot water. Did you know that 85% of a dishwashers energy use goes towards heating the water? Specially designed dryers are also made with energy in mind. The “perma press” cycle dries the clothes in cooler air for the last few minutes, which saves energy and prevents wrinkles. Moisture and temperature sensors will automatically turn the dryer off when the contents are dry, which is another great way to save energy!

The ENERGY STAR label was originally created to help with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that are caused by electrical equipment that is inefficient. It was also created to help consumers to identify energy-efficient products that will help them to save on their energy bills without sacrificing performance and great features.

Certainly, many companies such as IDT Energy recognize the merits of the ENERGY STAR label and recommend their use to help cut down costs and environmental issues.

The program is called Home Performance, and together with Energy Star the goal is to help New Yorker’s save as much as 40% of their energy costs during the winter months. The program is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, (NYSERDA), which hopes to improve the energy efficiency of any style or size homes and save homeowners as much as $600 per year.

The program works by sending out a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Accredited Home Performance contractor who will assess the efficiency of the home by checking and measuring all aspects of its energy use, such as insulation, air infiltration levels, heating/cooling systems, appliances and lighting. The specialists will also check ovens, water heaters, and other devices and equipment to make sure that there are no dangerous leaks of carbon monoxide into the house.

At the completion of the assessment the BPI contractor will describe what improvements can be made, how much those improvements will cost, and what kinds of financial incentives exist and can be made available to homeowners to make those changes. Incentives might include low-interest financing and other means by which the needed improvements can be made without the homeowner incurring and undue burden.

“There’s no better time than now to change the way we use energy in our homes,” says Peter R. Smith, president of NYSERDA. “Energy costs continue to rise and conserving energy is essential. For some New Yorkers, that may mean building an energy-efficient home, making an existing home more efficient, or following simple energy savings tips. No matter what the measure, every bit counts.

IDT Energy is pleased to bring to the attention of energy consumers the variety of ways New Yorkers can take advantage of innovative programs which are available to help save money and protect our environment.

The Energy Star rating indicates that a product has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. These products use less energy and save you money on your electricity bill. At the same time, they are good for the environment, as they cause less emission from power plants.

Some examples of Energy Star products and their benefits include:

1. Energy Star TVs use 3 watts or less when switched off, while standard TVs consume almost 6 watts.
2. Refrigerators that are Energy Star are 15% more efficient than what the federal efficiency standards require.
3. Light bulbs with the rating use two-thirds less energy than the standard bulb. They also have to meet additional operating and reliability guidelines.

Here are a number of quick tips for reducing your energy usage in the home.  Certainly, within each of these categories, there are more specific details and recommendations that can help you even more.

* Appliances and Electronics – Purchase products with an energy-efficient rating and make sure to turn products off when not in use.

* Lighting – Try to add more natural lighting options to the home including windows, skylights and more.  Purchase energy-efficient light fixtures with the Energy Star label and use energy-efficient light bulbs.

* Heating and Cooling – Add ceiling fans in as many rooms as possible. These help to circulate air and to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.  Make sure you have proper insulation and air seals in the home.  Select an energy-efficient heating system that doesn’t use electricity.

* Water Heating – Purchase an energy-efficient electric water heater and make sure to operate it as efficiently as possible.  Or, you might want to select an energy-efficient water heater that doesn’t require electricity to operate.

By looking for the Energy Star label on appliances and other products consumers can have confidence that their purchase is energy efficient and that they will save money in the long run. Their purchase will also be environmentally friendly.

Sometimes products with the Energy Star may cost more than other products, but you can rest assured that soon the savings you will experience on your utility bills will more than pay for the initial higher purchase price.