COVER STORY CR INVESTIGATES
Energy Star has lost SOl11e luster
The program saves energy but hasn't kept up with the times
F YOU NEED a new refrigerator, you might be drawn to the Samsung RF267ABRS. This sharp-looking bottomfreezer, which we're testing for a future report, is equipped with French doors, through-the-door ice and water dispensers, and many other inviting features. This refrigerator might also appeal because it carries the Energy Star badge of honor, thanks to its claimed 540-kilowatt-
hour annual consumption. "By being Energy Star compliant you are assured that your Samsung model is helping the environment by using less energy while saving you money," a blurb on the company's web site says. But in our comparative energy tests, which are tougher than the Department of Energy's and better resemble how you use a refrigerator, it used 890 kwh per ye<ir.
WID E 0 ISCR EPA N CY Senior program leader Emilio Gonzalez tests the LG LMX25981ST refrigerator. That French-door model and others we tested used significantly more energy than other manufacturers' comparable refrigerators.
There's an even larger difference between company claims and our measurements for the LG LMX25981ST French-door fridge. LG says it uses 547 kwh per year. We found through our tests that real-life energy use would be more than double. Why the energy-use gap? DOE procedures call for a refrigerator's icemaker to be off during tesring. On the LG, turning off the icemaker also shuts off cooling to the ice-making compartment, located on the refrigerator door. In our preliminary tests with the icemaker off, the energy use we measured was much closer to LG's figure. But that's not how you'd use the feature at home since doing so melts all the ice. When we gauged energy use with the LG's icemaker on, we got a consumption ofl,110 kwh per year. Such a loophole lets manufacturers label products more energy efficient than we've found them to be, and they get the Energy Star and its cachet when you won't see those savings. The issue highlights a fundamental drawback to Energy Star, a 16-year-old federal program administered by the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency that covers more than 50 product categories and is voluntary for manufacturers. Qualifying Energy Star appliances and consumer electronics should use less energy-about 10 to 25 percent less than the DOE's maximum allowed amount for that category. Last year alone, according to Energy Star, the program slashed greenhouse-gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles and saved Americans $16 billion in energy costs. But ourinvestigation has revealed some flaws: Qualifying standards are lax. About 25 percent of products in a category should qualify, according to the EPA. But until recently, for example, 92 percent of all dishwashers qualified. under a tighter standard, it's now about 50 percent. A high number of residential-use oil-fired
CONSUMER REPORTS OCTOBER 2008
boilers (67 percent) and dehumidifiers (60 percent) also qualify for the program. Tests are out of date. Federal test procedures haven't kept pace with technology, a point Energy Star leadership conceded in a meeting with Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of CONSUMER REpORTS. "A number of test procedures are out of date or problematic," says David B. Goldstein, codirector of the energy program at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Part of the reason is that the DOE doesn't have the staff they need to do very much on test procedures. There's also willpower.U1ey don't want to do it." What's more, it usually takes the DOE three years to publish new rules-a period that includes comments from manufacturers' organizations such as Consumers Union, and others-and another three years for the updated minimum efficiency requirements to take effect. Comment cycles at other federal agencies are much shorter. Input into the rule-making process by those who have a vested interest in easy-
It was confusing for anyone trying to promote energy efficiency." Today, more than 70 percent ofU.S. consumers are aware of the logo, the EPA says. "You know you're getting some level of energy efficiency beyond the average when you see the logo," Amann says. Energy Star often raises standards, as it did in 2007 for washers. Recent revisions include the Modified Energy Factor, which accounts for how much water a washer leaves in a washed load and is the best measure of the energy it takes to wash and dry a load. 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?" Goldstein asks. "Companies shouldn't get to hide behind test procedures." In our own tests, we've seen large differences between the energy use we found for three LG and two Samsung Energy Star French-door models with through-the-door ice and water dispensers and the use claimed on d1eir EnergyGuide labels. A reason for such discrepancies is that DOE testing procedures didn't anticipate French-door models with ice-making com-
How to interpret the EnergyGuide label
Energy Star appliances should use at least 10 to 2S percent less energy than nonqualified models. Many appliances are required to carry the Federal Trade Commission's EnergyGuide label. It lets you compare the energy consumption of appliances and determine approximately how much it will cost you to run them.
Until recently. 92 percent of dishwashers qualified for Energy Star.
to-meet standards, such as manufacturers, can also help dilute those standards. "Because of all the parties involved, you may get a level that isn't as aggressive as it could be," says Jennifer Thome Amann, director of the buildings program for the nonprofit American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy. Companies test their own products. The DOE does not test products for compliance with its standards; manufacturers do it. And there's no independent verification of what they report. Rather, the government relies on manufacturers to test their competitors' appliances and notify it of suspicious energy-use claims.
Main product features and, in some cases, similar models with an annual operating cost reflected in the cost range below.

U.S. GoYemmenl

A standard intended to be gold
Energy Star grew out of efforts by the federal government to forge a set ofnationwide guidelines and create a logo that clearly indicates energy-efficient products. "Prior to Energy Star," Amann says, "different states and utilities had their own symbols.
EI1Jmated operating: cost based on a 2007 national 8verage eleeti'iclty COIl
'''_f'eezer. and 1hrouiI1Hht-door1ce.

10.65 conts. k\\l1.

'angtI_onIyonmodol501_'capacitywilh_def,,,,L

A.!!iiil~

For fl'IOl'O information, vf&:M r'WW,f\c.goY/appIa:nces.
The Energy Star logo indicates that the product qualifies for the program.

OCTOBER

2008 WWW.CONSUMERREPoRTs.org

COVER STORY ENERGY STAR

partrnents in the refrigerated section. Manufacturers of that type of French-door refrigerator needed a waiver to be able to sell their models in this country. We've also found through our tests that although the EnergyGuide labels on Frenchdoor models from three manufacturers state comparable energy-use figures, there are greater differences among the products. In a June 2008 meeting with Consumers Union representatives, David E. Rodgers, the DOE's deputy assistant secretary for Energy Efficiency in the Office ofTechnology Development, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, acknowledged that federal test procedures are outdated. Our tests have revealed problems with other DOE protocols. The DOE test for dishwasher energy used to involve washing clean dishes. In ourtests, we've always used a full load of heavily soiled dishes. That demanding workout provides a betrer gauge of how much energy dishwashers consume when you don't prerinse dishes. Today manufacturers must test a mix of moderately, lightly, and barely soiled dishes. Self-testing and self-reporting by manufacturers can create other problems. The Energy Star Haier ESAD4066 air conditioner lists a 12.0 Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). That model lacks certification from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a third-party organization, so we had a recognized outside lab test one according to DOE tests. The lab measured a significantly lower 10.9 EER, borderline for Energy Star.
And when our tests showed tl1at Haier's HD656E dehumidifier removed less water per day than the claimed 65 pints, we had the same lab test it under DOE protocols. The analysis showed that it produced 51. 9 pints a day, squeaking by for Energy Star.
The future of Energy Star
In a recent report, the EPA inspector general was critical of efforts to deal with the misuse of the Energy Star. "The Energy Star staff believe that Energy Star products not meeting qualification standards for the program will be reported to EPA by rivals," the report says. But "Energy Star program offi-

A lawsuit spurred moves to change standards.
cials did not produce any evideIice the asserted self-policing is occurring." The DOE is also addressing issues that arose out of a 2006 settlement it reached after being sued by the NRDC, several states, and others to force it to create new energy standards and revise others. Consumers Union recommends the following changes to fine-tune Energy Star: o The DOE and EPA should bring test procedures and standards in line with the technology available in consumer products. They must also more frequently review procedures and standards as new technology
and products, such as French-door refrigerators, hit the market. The DOE has said it will convene a public meeting to discuss updating test procedures for refrigerators. o The DOE should require independent verification of test results. That need is underscored by the fact that our tests found wide energy-use discrepancies among comparable refrigerators from different manufacturers even though those models had a similar claimed energy use. o The program should consider a graded qualifying system like the European Union's Energy Label, which uses letters from A++ to G. That way, you could easily find the best or choose a model that just misses top honors, since the most efficient products often cost more. o Federal officials need to better police companies and enforce standards, including increasing spot checks of Energy Starqualified products. That is important since companies have put the Energy Star on products before getting formal acknowledgement. And retailers sometimes alter or improperly display the EnergyGuide label. Efforts like those could go a long way toward keeping nonqualified products from getting the Energy Star since pulling qualification from a product would be a big blow to a major manufacturer. Until the federal government revamps its energy-use procedures and standards, you could be left wondeting whether you're getting what you pay for when you reach for the Energy Star.
Watts on TV: Energy consumption over the decades
The earli"sclVsets consumed as much electricity as today's energy-hungry plasma models. But newer designs in circuitry dropped wattage to less than half by about 1980 even as screen sizes grew. Today there's a wide variation in how much power the different types of television sets consume. And there's no federally imposed limit on how much electricity lVs can use. But Energy Star has updated itslV criteria, which go into effect Nov. 1. The new guidelines will cover energy consumption while a set is on and how much energy it uses in standby mode.
DuMont Model 180 RCACT-lOO

Sony KV2601

Sharp LC-10A2U

Samsung FP-Ts084

475 watts
The early color1Vhad a screen with a 12Y.-inch viewable area.

102 watts

This 26-inch CRT, reviewed in our January 1980 issue, came in a 3-foot-wide cabinet.

28 watts

One ofthe first flat-panel1Vs sold in the U.s., this lO-inch set was 2Y. inches deep.

250 watts

This 50-inch plasma, at medium brightness, uses the same energy the DuMont did.
The first electronic1V. the DuMont had an 8xlO-inch black-and-white picture.

6052_Larrys_1119+1210

11/12/08

9:54 AM

Page 1

MONTHS NO DOWN PAYMENT

with no monthly payments on any qualifying LG Appliance purchase $499 and up. November 6 to December 24, 2008.

INSTALLATION

by mail with the purchase of an LG Wall Oven, Cooktop or Dishwasher between November 6 to December 24, 2008.

& NO INTEREST

REBATE

DELIVERY

by mail with the purchase of an LG ENERGY STAR qualifying washer with matching dryer between November 6 to December 24, 2008.
LG SUPER CAPACITY FRONT LOAD WASHER & ELECTRIC DRYER
WASHER: Direct Drive Motor delivers power right to the drum from the motor without belts, resulting in a highly durable, powerful and quiet washing machine. DRYER: LG dryers feature advanced technology that makes them some of the quietest on the market today. WM2016CW / DLE2516W
LG ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more energy efficient to operate than refrigerators that are not ENERGY STAR qualified, and theyre at least 50% more energy efficient than refrigerators manufactured 10 years ago.
LG 20 CU. FT. FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR WITH CUSTOMCUBE ICE MAKER
French Door refrigerators provides easy access to the foods you reach for the most by placing them at eye level. And at 30" wide, this refrigerator will fit in more kitchens. All LG French Door refrigerators are Energy Star rated, which means they use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards. And LG uses Cyclopentane to insulate the refrigerator an environmentally friendly material. / LFC20760SW

Be A Smart Saver!

WASHER
Shown on optional pedestals

50 DELIVERY REBATE

LG ULTRA-CAPACITY FRONT-LOAD STEAMWASHER & STEAMDRYER IN WILD CHERRY RED
WASHER: LGs newly designed 4.5 cu.ft. Ultra Capacity SteamWasher with Allergiene cycle and wider door opening makes it easy to wash more clothes in fewer loads. DRYER: LGs newly designed SteamDryer with TrueSteam Technology reduces wrinkles and odors, virtually eliminating the need for ironing. Now introducing a unique SteamSanitary feature to sanitize non washable items quickly and easily. WM3001R / DLEX3001R Shown on optional pedestals

Stainless Steel $1449

LG 25 CU. FT. STAINLESS STEEL 4-DOOR FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR WITH IN-DOOR DISPENSER
LG EXTRA-LARGE CAPACITY STACKABLE FRONT-LOAD WASHER & ELECTRIC DRYER
WASHER: The largest capacity front load washer for the consumer market which means fewer loads, easy handling of large comforters and better water and energy efficiency. DRYER: Intuitive controls allow you to 'set it and go'. You can also save your favorite dry cycle by pressing Custom Program. WM2455HW / DLE5955W
INTRODUCING THE FIRST ICE AND WATER DISPENSING 4-DOOR FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR, EXCLUSIVELY FROM LG. The two freezer drawers provide the ultimate in convenient organization and easy access. With the tallest water dispenser available, you can fill larger containers with filtered water. The interior of the refrigerator adds to the already sophisticated exterior styling with recessed LED lighting, low profile shelving and integrated crisper and deli storage. / LMX25981ST

+ Up $ To

LGS NEW ULTRA-CAPACITY STEAMWASHER AND STEAMDRYER IN WILD CHERRY RED
WASHER: The LG SteamWasher with Allergiene. The largest front load washer available! The power of TrueSteam penetrates fabrics for optimal cleaning performance and also reduces allergens by more than 95% with LGs exclusive Allergiene cycle. DRYER: LGs SteamDryer with TrueSteam Technology helps to reduce wrinkles and odors practically eliminating the need for ironing. WM2487HRMA / DLEX7177RM Shown on optional pedestals
LG 2.0 CU. FT. CAPACITY OVER-THE-RANGE STAINLESS STEEL MICROWAVE OVEN
LGs revolutionary Warming Lamp keeps entrees warm and ready to serve. LMVM2085ST

LOW PRICES!

GREAT SELECTION! From low-price to

WHY SHOP

Weve teamed with 8000 stores across the country to form the nations largest appliance and electronics buying group. This huge buying power means our prices are just as competitive as the big chain stores.
LG FULLYINTEGRATED XL TALL TUB STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHER
LoDecibel Quiet Operation SenseClean Wash System 5 Wash Cycles with 3 Spray Arms Water Heater LDF6920ST
LG SEMI-INTEGRATED DISHWASHER WITH SLIM CONTROL PANEL
XL Tall Tub cleans up to 16 place settings at once Design-A-Rack System allows for maximum loading flexibility. LDS4821WW
LG STAINLESS STEEL DUAL CONVECTION ELECTRIC RANGE
At 5.6 cu. ft., this range has one of the largest oven capacities available providing more space for cooking large meals. LRE30757ST
high-end, our showroom features a wide range of products for your home from the brand names you know and trust.
EXPERT ADVICE! Our knowledgeable
sales staff is nationally certified and trained to help you make the right buying decision every time.

75 REBATE

ENERGY STAR products use less energy, save money on electric bills, and help protect the environment.
Were proud of our association with the largest buying organization in the country, which brings you the combined purchasing power of thousands of retail stores nationwide. This huge buying power is passed along to our customers by means of lower prices every day on the finest name brand products in the world.
920 Broadway, Yankton 665-9461

APPLIANCE

The merchandise in this advertisement was selected far in advance of publication.Therefore, if an item is out of stock, and a replacement is unavailable, we will offer a comparable value to you. We appreciate your understanding and your business. Any typographic, photographic, or production errors are subject to correction in pricing and description. All models shown may not be on display in all stores but are available from our warehouse stock.