Look for the Label and Watch your Energy Savings Add Up
They look and work just like any other appliances, windows, air conditioners, furnaces or electronics. But when you use these products, you also save energy and money. The next time you go shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
EnergyStar Appliance, photo courtesy of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
In order to get the most out of your shopping experience, we recommend doing a little research before hitting the store.
Step 1: Know Your Label
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Products certified as ENERGY STAR include, appliances, electronics, heating and cooling systems, building products, lighting, and office equipment. Homes can even be certified as ENERGY STAR.
Step 2: Know Before You Go
Visit the energystar.gov/products website before you go to the store. It has great resources to help you pick the best model and feature, as well as, savings calculators, videos, a rebate finder, and guides.
Step 3: Look for the Label
ENERGY STAR products are clearly labeled with the logo, and they sometimes show the energy savings amount. Make sure the product has the official logo, and don’t be fooled by language that claims to be energy savings, but is missing the logo.
The amount and availability of incentives for shopping for ENERGY STAR products is based upon what you buy. For instance, there are rebates in Maryland to help pay for energy efficient heating and cooling systems, but there are not incentives for ENERGY STAR televisions.
To find out if there are rebates for the ENERGY STAR products on your shopping list, visit your utility’s website and the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.
Montgomery County offers a $250 tax credit for buying energy efficiency appliances.
Presidents Day Weekend each year, Maryland declares it the Shop Maryland Energy Tax Free Weekend. For 3 days, buying some ENERGY STAR appliances are tax free. Learn more.
After you shop, there are also rebates for recycling old appliances. Contact your utility to learn more.
Sign from 2017 Shop Maryland Energy Tax Free Weekend
