Media Contacts:
Julie Semancik / Tim Wirtz
Hoffman York
414-225-9568 / 414-225-9522
jsemancik@hyc.com
twirtz@hyc.com
-Focus on Energy encourages Wisconsinites to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances-
MADISON, Wis. (May 12, 2005) – Spring is here and Focus on Energy wants Wisconsinites to know they can save money and energy by doing a different kind of spring cleaning this year. The state’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative is encouraging residents to “Look for the STAR” and purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances such as clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators. With a variety of models available at prices to meet any budget, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances offer superior performance and cutting-edge features that save time and money on daily household tasks.
“Consumers might be surprised to know how much energy and water standard appliances use,” said Sara Van de Grift, ENERGY STAR Products program manager for Focus on Energy. “For instance, an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher uses 44 percent less water than its standard counterpart – the equivalent of filling 172 five gallon water cooler bottles.”
ENERGY STAR: Comfort, performance and savings throughout the home
The ENERGY STAR has been a symbol of energy efficiency since 1992 and products that carry the designation are available in more than 40 categories. With energy costs rising, Focus on Energy wants residents to be aware of the benefits of owning ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use 50 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than standard models, saving residents up to $130 a year on their water and energy bills.
In addition, ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use advanced technology that
offers many advantages over standard models including tumble action washing as
opposed to standard agitation. This technology leads to reduced dryer time, longer lasting
clothes, less laundry detergent needed, and the ability to wash more laundry per load. Water and energy saving ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers really are the perfect cleaning machines.
Energy and Money Saving Solutions in the Kitchen
Refrigerators consume more energy than any other appliance in a typical home. Replacing an older unit with a newer model is a smart solution that can save energy and money. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators can save up to $55 a year on energy bills compared to models manufactured before 1993. In fact, a refrigerator made before 1993 uses twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator. In addition to saving money, qualified models keep food fresher longer and run quieter.
Another ENERGY STAR qualified kitchen appliance that saves money and energy is a dishwasher. More than 75 percent of the dishwasher models on the market are ENERGY STAR qualified because manufacturers know that consumers value the benefits. Not only do they perform effectively, but they are often quieter than standard models and offer a host of extra water and energy savings. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers are up to 25 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Replacing a non-qualified dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR qualified model can lower utility bills by as much as $25 a year.
Purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified appliances is a way for Wisconsin residents to do an environmental spring cleaning. They help lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere and they use less water and energy to operate. Everyone in Wisconsin can benefit by helping keep the state’s environment clean for future generations.
For more information about ENERGY STAR qualified products and to see if Cash-Back Rewards are available in your area, call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com/STAR.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage
energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment and ensure the future
supply of energy for Wisconsin. Since July 2001, the program has helped Wisconsin’s businesses and residents cut their utility bills by more than $54 million – reducing their energy
consumption by more than 572 million kilowatt-hours and more than 27 million therms of natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions to save energy and money, and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 8,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.
