The History of the Energy Star Rating System

During your search for some home improvement ideas, the term energy star rating system keeps crossing your path. Unfortunately, so far in your quest all you have discovered is it has something to do with saving energy lower utility bills, and limiting the damage done to the environment. That’s enough to make even the most laid back homeowner wonder a little more about energy star systems. Luckily, it really isn’t that complex and before you know it you will be talking to contractors and explaining exactly how you want them to make your house energy star quality.

Energy Star Rating System

The energy star rating system is a national system designed to rate how effective and energy efficient certain products are. There are over 50 different types of products currently made that have the energy star rating. Those products are finding their way into new home constructions, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings as well. You don’t have to buy a new home to get in on the energy star act though. Certified Energy Star contractors can help you install products like new replacement windows, skylights, and doors to your home.

Energy star was first thought up in 1999 in answer to reports that indicated that industrial and commercial businesses were accounting for over half of the total climate changing emissions the U.S. produced. Those numbers were staggering. So was the $200 billion dollar a year price tag that came along with it. Lawmakers decided the money would be better spent helping businesses comply with more earth friendly and energy efficient building practices.

It wasn’t long before residential building products were working to be recognized by the Energy Star rating system as well. If you decide to have new windows or doors, or both, installed in your home, make sure you request those with energy star approval for the project. You can feel good knowing you are doing the right thing for the earth and your energy bills.