What is ENERGY STAR?

• ENERGY STAR is an international symbol of energy efficiency.
• The ENERGY STAR symbol helps consumers quickly and easily identify major appliances and other energy-using equipment that save energy. ENERGY STAR identifies products as the top high efficiency performer in their category.
• ENERGY STAR is a dynamic government/industry partnership that makes it easy for businesses and consumers to save money and protect the environment.

What is ENERGY STAR in Canada?

• ENERGY STAR in Canada is a voluntary arrangement between Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency and organizations that manufacture, sell or promote products that meet the ENERGY STAR levels of energy performance.
• ENERGY STAR in Canada is administered by Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE)
• The ENERGY STAR symbol is on many products sold in Canada.
• The ENERGY STAR symbol, where applicable, is found on the EnerGuide label. While EnerGuide label provides buyers with the ability to shop and compare energy ratings, ENERGY STAR goes one step further and identifies products that meet prescribed higher levels of energy efficiency.

Complementary role of the ENERGY STAR mark to Canada’s EnerGuide label

• The ENERGY STAR mark, which is placed on the product and/or incorporated in its literature, indicates that the product meets a premium level of energy efficiency making it easy for consumers to choose the most energy-efficient products sold in the Canadian marketplace.
• ENERGY STAR complements EnerGuide.
• The EnerGuide for Equipment Program requires that EnerGuide labels be affixed to major household appliances to help the Canadian buying public compare the energy consumption of products sold in Canada.
• The fundamental feature of ENERGY STAR is that it is an endorsement symbol for the most energy-efficient products sold in the marketplace.
• The ENERGY STAR mark on the EnerGuide label plays a complementary role for applicable products – refrigerators, washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners.
• The ENERGY STAR mark on the EnerGuide label helps buyers identify the product as a top energy performer.

ENERGY STAR qualified products which will be labeled and promoted in Canada are:

• major appliances
• residential heating, cooling and ventilation equipment
• office equipment
• consumer electronics
• windows and doors
• lighting
• commercial equipment

A full listing of the current ENERGY STAR qualified products in Canada can be found on the NRCan web site.

How do products qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark?

• ENERGY STAR qualified products must meet and exceed minimum Canadian federal energy efficiency standards according to a prescribed performance level for each product area.
• Most products, but not all, that qualify in the U.S. automatically qualify in Canada

Why buy ENERGY STAR qualified products (saves money and the environment)?

• By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, buyers save energy and money on utility bills, reduce air pollution without sacrificing the features, versatility or style they expect from high-performing products.

Where to find ENERGY STAR qualified products?

• ENERGY STAR qualified products are found in retailers’ showrooms across Canada.
• Consumers can look for the ENERGY STAR mark on product packaging, literature, product advertising and, of course, on the products themselves – in some cases, you may also find it on the EnerGuide label.

Frequently Asked Questions on Purchasing

What is the difference between the EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR labels?

• EnerGuide provides information on the energy performance of products, allowing the buyer to compare energy performance ratings for different models. ENERGY STAR identifies the most energy-efficient models that meet or exceed premium levels of energy. For some products (refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners), the ENERGY STAR mark may appear on the EnerGuide label.

Who manufacturers ENERGY STAR qualified products and where can I buy them?

• ENERGY STAR qualified products are made by many major manufacturers and can be purchased from retailers and dealers across the country. The OEE web site lists the manufacturers and retailers that have joined the ENERGY STAR initiative in Canada. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when you are shopping. You may find it on the product or in the product brochure, or there may be a product description stating that a product meets ENERGY STAR specifications.

Do ENERGY STAR qualified products cost more?

• Prices of products vary, but the ENERGY STAR label does not make the product more costly. Consumers will save money on their utility bills over the long term. To encourage the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified products, some retailers or utilities may offer incentives.

How much will I save by using ENERGY STAR qualified products?

• For bulk purchacing, you can use the simple energy cost calculator located on the ENERGY STAR web site to determine what energy and cost savings you can expect.

What makes ENERGY STAR qualified products better

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• In addition to costing less to operate, ENERGY STAR qualified products are better from an environmental perspective. They use less energy to do the same job as non-ENERGY STAR qualified products, thereby creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions – the major cause of climate change. They also help reduce other pollutants that contribute to problems such as urban smog and acid rain.

Do manufacturers have to pay to use the ENERGY STAR label?

• The manufacturer has to pay for the costs of demonstrating that the product meets ENERGY STAR specifications. Many products are regulated under Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations and they must exceed the minimum performance standard set out in the Regulations to qualify for ENERGY STAR. Products not covered by the Regulations must achieve similar premium levels of energy efficiency.

Do the products have to be tested to ensure that they meet the specifications?

• Yes. The manufacturer must provide proof that the product meets the specifications.

How should I specify ENERGY STAR when ordering from a manufacturer?

• You can require that the product “shall meet the ENERGY STAR specification for energy efficiency” and provide a detailed explanation of the specification.

Where can I get more information on purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products?

• Detailed information on purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products can be found on the OEE web site under procurement information.

The ENERGY STAR name and the ENERGY STAR symbol are registered trademarks of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are used with permission.

(NC)—A new water heater may not be at the top of your shopping list, but when the time comes to replace an existing unit, you’ll need to act quickly. The good news is that domestic water heaters are now included in the ENERGY STAR initiative in Canada, and that should make your shopping experience both easier and more rewarding.

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency, used by consumers to select household products that will save them money and reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions that have been linked to climate change. Water heaters are one of the biggest energy consumers in the home, second only to space heating equipment. Although it may be tucked away in a corner of the basement, your water heater is used every day, so it pays to select an energy-efficient model.

Water heaters that qualify for the ENERGY STAR symbol use at least five percent less energy than conventional models – and that means your utility bills will be at least five percent lower than might otherwise be the case. Features such as better tank insulation, heat traps and more efficient burners set ENERGY STAR qualified models apart from the competition.

The new ENERGY STAR specification applies to gas, heat pump and solar water heaters (electric and oil-fired models are not included in the program). In addition to meeting strict energy efficiency requirements, ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters must offer warranties ranging from six to 10 years on most parts, depending on the type of unit.

When shopping for a new water heater, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR symbol on the product, its packaging or literature. More information is available at energystar.nrcan.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-OCANADA.

It’s the morning after the 6th episode in our series of workshops based on the best-selling book ‘The Millionaire Real Estate Investor’, and I realize that this is a great thing that we are doing with these events. We’re providing a much-needed service, to both current investors and people who are just beginning their real estate investing journey.

We’re taking a break from the series for July & Augst, but will be back in full-force with the workshops beginning the 3rd Tuesday in September. Over the Fall, we’ll be offering more classes from the fine folks at The Landlord & Tenant Board, along with bringing in featured guests such as an accountant who works with investors, a real estate lawyer, and a few others.

These guests will be coming in to make special presentations to the members of the Milton Real Estate Investors Club (MREIC), a newly-formed club that is as much a forum for sharing experiences as it is for getting advice and information. MREIC won’t be charging big membership fees, or having all sorts of requirements for membership, in fact, we are investigating the potential for finding places to meet monthly where there is no cost to anyone.

So, thanks for your support during our first 6 months of the Millionaire Real Estate Investor seires; we look forward to seeing you in September.

In the meantime, just give me a call or shoot me an email if you have any questions.