One thing I’d like to see the Energy Star rating system take on is solar, wind and other alternative sources, so the consumer can make a better informed decision about implementing these opportunities into their energy profiles. I see geothermal pumps under HVAC, but cannot find much in the way of other alternative energy production equipment.

Here’s a specific case: I’m interested in a low cost way to accomplish water heating, rather than using my oil burning forced hot water system to heat water in the summer. I’d rather use solar hot water heating if possible rather than electrical as the alternative to ‘off-boiler’ HW, but it’s hard to find product ratings.

That’s just one ‘for instance’ in a wide range of possibilities. I’m also looking to supplement/off load some of my electrical load using small scale PV or wind power, and would love to see Energy Star offer ratings on these as well.

One other point I’d like to make about Energy Star ratings – it would be nice to know if products made are US made, or if company is US owned; many of us will choose to buy “made in USA” products first, and it would be a plus to have this information listed along with other information about product ratings.

The wonderful thing about ENERGY STAR is it empowers good people to conserve energy and protect the environment.
What I want to see on the ENERGY STAR Current is the resulting effect of this program on the lives of the people who make this conservation of energy happen.
Also, I want to see the resulting effect in the environment.

Live forever and prosper!

Thank you [EPA] for all that you do in the fight against Global Warming.