Appliances & ENERGY STAR Products
Make Smarter Appliance Choices and Lower Your Energy Bills
Upgrading to energy-efficient ENERGY STAR appliances can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. By understanding the energy consumption and potential savings of various appliances, you can make informed decisions that reduce utility bills and improve home comfort. Programs like the CEA Loan Program and EmPOWER Maryland rebates can help ease the cost of making the switch.
ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines, helping consumers save money and protect the environment. ENERGY STAR certified products are available across a wide range of categories including appliances, heating and cooling systems, lighting, electronics, and windows and doors.
When replacing household appliances, choosing ENERGY STAR certified models can significantly reduce your electricity consumption without compromising performance. Key appliances to consider include refrigerators, which run continuously and benefit most from efficiency upgrades; washing machines, where ENERGY STAR models use less water and energy per load; dishwashers, which use less hot water than hand washing when run with full loads; and water heaters, which account for roughly 18% of a home’s total energy use.
Smart thermostats are one of the most cost-effective upgrades available for most homes. They learn your schedule and adjust heating and cooling automatically, reducing energy use when you are away or asleep. Most can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. Many Maryland utilities offer rebates for qualifying smart thermostat models through EmPOWER Maryland.
Switching to LED lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective efficiency upgrades available. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs meet additional quality and performance standards beyond the basic LED specification.
ENERGY STAR provides information to help you navigate available federal tax credits for qualifying home improvements. Homeowners can save up to $3,200 per year on eligible energy-efficient upgrades, covering up to 30% of costs under the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Qualifying products include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, windows, doors, and home energy audits. These credits reset annually.
The CEA Loan Program offers 0% APR financing for the first 24 months on qualifying energy-efficient upgrades. Loans must be combined with utility rebates and are available to Maryland residents.
Not Sure Which Upgrades to Prioritize?
A home energy audit can identify the improvements that will have the biggest impact on your home’s efficiency before you invest in new appliances or equipment.