As we reported recently in "GAO Audit of Energy Star Reveals Deep Flaws in Program for Energy-Efficient Appliances," despite the upsides to Energy Star, the federal program is beset by some problems.
One issue we've repeatedly encountered is the fact that some appliances we've tested aren't as efficient as their manufacturers indicate. Our latest review of refrigerators includes details on energy-use discrepancies we found during testing of the $1,600 Maytag MSD2578VE[W] side-by-side, the $8,000 Viking Professional VCSB542 built-in side-by-side, and the $2,200 Blomberg BRFB1450 bottom-freezer.
For more on our latest findings and the Energy Star program, check out "Some Energy Star Appliances May Not Be That Green," an interview with Consumer Reports Deputy Editor Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman on National Public Radio.
Kudos to CR for this one. I loved the program report on NPR. As consumers/advocates for consumers, we ALL have to realize and promote, and encourage legislation through our representatives to strengthen consumer protection. Having manufacturer's self-authenticate energy efficiency? ARE YOU KIDDING? High on my personal and professional list of must do's for consumer protection and testing:
1. Unified standards, verified by 3rd party, multiple testing agencies (CR does very good things).
2. Toxics testing for all products (chemical toxicity, air quality testing, etc, etc).
3. Strict national regulation of the chemical industry and promotion of healthy, natural alternatives to the culture of agricultural and industrial poisoning we allow to be inflicted on us.
4. Federally and state funded education on product health, personal nutrition health, exercise, etc. Every product on the market has something to do with this.
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