In today’s ever increasing concern over energy savings there is one rating that has been used in the United States since the Clinton Administration implemented it in 1992.  Since then the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan have also adopted this standard that is the standard for energy efficient consumer products.  Products and devices that carry this label generally use 20%-30% less energy than required by federal standards.

Results are already adding up. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR®, saved enough energy to power 10 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions from 12 million cars – all while saving $6 billion.

These are great numbers but we still have a long way to go.  So the next time you are looking for a new refrigerator or stove look for that seal.  For more information check out this web site http://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/energystar.htm .

Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth.  As we all know temperatures on the earth’s surface can vary greatly but did you know that approximately10 feet below the surface the temperature is relatively constant at 50 to 60 degrees.  That is amazing. 

One of the most environmentally friendly, extremely energy efficient and cost-effective systems for temperature control are a geothermal heat pump.   These pumps help extract heat from the below the surface and use to help cool and heat your home.  I ran across this video http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=243&video_id=2 from the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium that explains how a geothermal system works.  Check it out, very helpful.

As of December 1, 2009 homeowners who install geothermal heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR are eligible for upto a 30 percent federal tax credit.