What Is Energy Star Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
Gov program for energy efficiency info.
Editorially updated Oct 25, 2025
Energy Star
energystar.gov
The overview
What Energy Star is for
1Core Capabilitie
- Certified Product Finder: Interactive database for locating qualified products by category and specification
- Building & Plant Registry Search: Public interface to find and verify certified buildings and industrial plant
- Program Specification Library: Centralized repository for current and historical product and building specification
2Specialized Workflow
- Portfolio Manager Access: Web-based platform for benchmarking building energy and water use, and applying for certification
- Partner Resource Center: Secure portal for registered partners to manage product submissions, access marketing materials, and report data
- Home Energy Yardstick Tool: Consumer-facing calculator for comparing household energy use against similar home
Who it helps
Useful ways to use Energy Star
A practical path
Search for Qualified Appliance
From the homepage, navigate to the 'Products' section. Select an appliance category (e.g., 'Refrigerators'), then use the interactive filters to refine results by brand, features, or specific energy performance metric
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Highly authoritative and indispensable resource for identifying energy-efficient products and managing building performance data. The site provides clear access to certification standards and tools, though some specialized sections require familiarity with program terminology.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1What is the process for getting a new product certified as Energy Star qualified?⌄
Manufacturers must first register as an Energy Star partner. Then, they submit product data, including test results from an EPA-recognized lab, through the Partner Resource Center. The EPA reviews the submission against the relevant product specification, and if compliant, the product is listed in the certified product database.
2Is there a fee to use Energy Star Portfolio Manager or to apply for building certification?⌄
No, access to Energy Star Portfolio Manager and the application process for building or plant certification are provided free of charge by the EPA. However, there may be costs associated with third-party verification or data collection required to meet certification criteria.
3How often are Energy Star product specifications updated, and how am I notified of changes?⌄
Specifications are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect technological advancements and market availability. The EPA typically announces proposed changes and final versions through the Energy Star website, partner newsletters, and stakeholder webinars, providing ample time for partners to adapt.
4Can I use the Energy Star logo on my products or marketing materials without formal certification?⌄
No, unauthorized use of the Energy Star mark is strictly prohibited. The logo can only be used on products that have been formally certified by the EPA and on marketing materials that specifically promote those certified products, following strict brand guidelines provided to partners.
5Where can I find data on the energy savings achieved by the Energy Star program nationally?⌄
The Energy Star website's 'About Us' or 'Impacts' sections provide annual reports and fact sheets detailing the program's national energy savings, greenhouse gas reductions, and consumer cost savings, often broken down by sector or product category.
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