Questions About EPA's Energy Star Ratings

This morning's San Francisco Chronicle has an article by Lynette Evans, Energy Star's glow diminishes, that calls into question the EPA system of awarding the Energy Star label to appliances that meet certain criteria for energy efficiency and "greenness".

If true, this is a darn shame...and shame on the EPA.

Consumers (and designers like me) rely on the Energy Star designation to tell us which appliance products do the best job with the least energy.

Energy Star appliances cost more than those which do not bear the label. If the designations are accurate and truthful, the energy savings should recover the extra cost over time. If not, then the buyer and the environment are the losers and the manufacturer benefits with more profit.

Apparently, says Consumer Reports, EPA is letting the manufacturers do their own testing of late. And some manufacturers may be fudging their results or not keeping their procedures for testing up to date. EPA's rules for testing also allow shenanigans.

Even as Energy Star has modernized, it is not nimble enough, critics say. The Consumer Federation of America, the NRDC, and many states say federal officials must do a better job creating and enforcing tougher standards to prevent appliances and electronic devices from getting the Energy Star when they shouldn't.

"If a manufacturer wants to claim it has a refrigerator that meets Energy Star, should it be allowed to use a test procedure that lets it say things it ought to know aren't going to be true for how consumers will use the product? Companies shouldn't get to hide behind test procedures."

An example might be the manufacturer that tests a refrigerator with Ice-n-Water through the door without the icemaker on. Since the icemaker draws substantial power when on, the homeowner who buys such a product and uses it as intended cannot possibly get the same efficiency promised by the Energy Star label.

This is unconscionable, if true, and must stop!

See below links to the Consumer Reports article and followups, as well as the EPA's letter of response.

Peggy

Energy Star has lost some luster

EPA finds fault with Consumer Reports Energy Star article

CONSUMER REPORTS FINDS ENERGY STAR PROGRAM STANDARDS LAX AND TESTS OUT-OF-DATE

Energy Star review. Origins and development of A standard intended to be gold

Proposed changes in case you want to contact your legislator on this issue: The future of Energy Star

EPA's Letter to the Editor of Consumer Reports

Wolf Recalls 24,000 48" Ranges

Below is a recall from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Peggy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2008
Release #08-391 Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 643-6408
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Wolf Appliance Recalls Gas Ranges Due to Burn Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wolf Appliance Gas Ranges

Units: About 24,000

Manufacturer: Wolf Appliance Inc., of Madison, Wis.

Hazard: Delayed ignition of gas in the 18-inch oven can cause a flash of flames to be projected at a consumer when the range door is opened, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Wolf has received 97 reports of units experiencing delayed ignition, including 15 minor burns. There have been no reports of fires or property damage.

Description: This recall involves the following Wolf Appliance 48-Inch gas ranges with model numbers: P48, PS48 and R48. The gas ranges are stainless steel with a double oven. A “Wolf” appliance logo is on the front of the larger oven door.

Sold at: Home builders and appliance stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2008 for between $5,000 and $9,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled gas range 18-inch oven and contact the manufacturer to schedule a free, in-home repair. The large oven and all cooktop burners are not affected and may be used.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Wolf Appliance toll-free at (866) 643-6408 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.wolfappliance.com