Energy Consumption of Major Household Appliances Shipped in Canada – Trends for 1990–2005

APPENDIX C – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT CHANGES TO ENERGY STAR^®

Why are the ENERGY STAR criteria changing for dishwashers and clothes washers?

Canada and the United States introduced a regulated minimum energy efficiency standard for clothes washers effective January 1, 2007. This new standard is designed to keep pace with technology developments that are enabling manufacturers to design and build products that achieve higher levels of energy efficiency than in the past. The new standard means that the least efficient models will be eliminated from the market, which in turn means that the ENERGY STAR criteria need to be strengthened so that only those products that are in the top 25 percent of energy performers can use this international symbol of energy efficiency.

In the case of dishwashers, the ENERGY STAR criteria have not been updated for several years, and almost all products currently on the market can meet the pre-January 1, 2007, requirement. In keeping with the ENERGY STAR objective to represent the top 25 percent of the market, the ENERGY STAR specification for dishwashers was strengthened on January 1, 2007.

Why does Canada regulate energy efficiency standards?

Canada regulates energy efficiency standards for a wide range of energy-using products, with the objective of eliminating the least energy-efficient products from the Canadian market. Energy efficiency is an important way that all sectors of the economy and individual consumers can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and other pollutants that contribute to urban smog. Energy efficiency is also good for the economy because it saves consumers money, reduces business operating costs and contributes to Canada's competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

What is the difference between a regulated energy performance standard and the ENERGY STAR criteria?

The standards referenced in Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations define test procedures for determining a product's energy performance and establish minimum energy performance requirements that a product must meet to be sold in Canada. ENERGY STAR is a separate, voluntary, labelling initiative that uses an internationally recognized symbol to help consumers identify products that not only exceed the minimum energy performance requirements but also are among the most energy efficient on the market.

Will the new ENERGY STAR criteria affect product performance?

No. ENERGY STAR identifies products that meet a specified level of energy performance based on verified testing results. To qualify for ENERGY STAR, product features must not be compromised. ENERGY STAR qualified products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy. Only those products whose energy performance under normal operating conditions puts them in the top 25 percent of products on the market are eligible to use the ENERGY STAR symbol.

How can I determine whether a product qualifies under the new criteria or the old criteria?

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) maintains up-to-date lists of all products that qualify for ENERGY STAR in Canada. If you have a specific appliance model in mind, you can check these lists on the ENERGY STAR Web site to determine if it meets the new criteria. NRCan has also posted lists of products that qualified under the pre-January 1, 2007, criteria – and may still be using the ENERGY STAR symbol – but do not meet the new requirements.

If the model you are considering purchasing was manufactured after January 1, 2007, and bears the ENERGY STAR symbol, you can be assured that it meets the new criteria. If it is an older model, it may still qualify for ENERGY STAR, but you should check the list on the ENERGY STAR Web site.

If a product qualifies under the old criteria but does not meet the new requirements, does this mean the product is now considered a poor energy performer?

No – it could, for example, still be in the mid-range of products on the market. The best way to determine this is to check the scale on the EnerGuide label, which has an indicator arrow that shows how the product compares with similar models in terms of energy consumption. One thing is certain, however: if a product does not meet the new ENERGY STAR criteria, it is no longer considered to be among the most energy-efficient models available on the market. More energy-efficient models are available that will deliver lower operating costs and long-term savings.

Why does ENERGY STAR qualification matter?

Buying the most energy-efficient model that meets your needs will save you energy and money for as long as you use the appliance. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified washers use up to 50 percent less energy and 35 to 50 percent less water than traditional models. Dishwashers that meet the new ENERGY STAR criteria are at least 41 percent more energy-efficient than the least efficient models sold in Canada. Saving energy does more than put money in your pocket – it also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that are damaging the environment.

Will rebate offers be honoured, regardless of whether the product qualifies under the new or old criteria?

Some provinces and utilities may pay rebates for products that qualify under the old ENERGY STAR criteria and were purchased after January 1, 2007, but others may not. The best strategy is to check directly with the organization offering the rebate to make sure a specific model is eligible for the rebate before you buy it.

Are the ENERGY STAR criteria for these products the same in Canada as in the United States?

Yes. The ENERGY STAR criteria are the same in Canada and the United States for these products. The ENERGY STAR name and the ENERGY STAR symbol are registered trademarks of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which establishes the criteria for different products. ENERGY STAR in Canada is administered by NRCan through an agreement with the EPA. Due to the high level of integration in the North American equipment market, Canada and the United States also strive to harmonize their regulated minimum energy efficiency standards, which facilitates having the same ENERGY STAR criteria in both countries.

Can we expect more changes in the future?

Canada and the United States are continually updating their minimum energy performance standards for major household appliances to help transform the market to increased energy efficiency. As new standards are implemented from time to time, the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualification will also be updated.