When consumers shop for new appliances, it’s common to focus on finding a product with an ENERGY STAR rating. But how do appliances get this rating?

Computers and monitors were the first products to receive an efficiency rating from ENERGY STAR, a program launched in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Since then, more than 60 product categories have been added, from dishwashers to windows and DVD players. According to the program, ENERGY STAR-rated products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money.

For example, qualified refrigerators must be at least 15 percent more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard. By pushing for the manufacturing of more efficient products, ENERGY STAR estimates the rating system saved businesses, organizations, and consumers $19 billion in 2008 alone.

Consumers are taking advantage of the program. A survey by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency discovered that 76 percent of American households recognize the ENERGY STAR brand. Of these consumers, 73 percent purchased an ENERGY STAR product within the last year.

These products can be recognized by their yellow EnergyGuide labels. Check the labels of various models before you buy. The difference on your monthly utility bill can be significant, especially when considered over the 10- to 20-year life of the appliance. So you could save money in the long run by choosing a model that’s more energy-efficient, even if the purchase price is higher.

To learn more about the ENERGY STAR program, visit www.energystar.gov.

As if that weren't incentive enough for someone to choose an ENERGY STAR qualified product, some product manufacturers and retailers will offer occasional rebates for purchases. You can locate up-to-the-minute information on rebates offered in your zip code by visiting the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Individual qualifications for each rebate will vary, and the offers change frequently. Neither the Department of Energy (the people behind the Energy Star program) nor Rock Energy Co-op participates directly in any of these rebates. However, we do recommend that you check the rebates before you go shopping for your next home appliance or electronic purchase.