A study of electricity savings from energy star appliances using household survey data

Energy Star (ES) appliances are required to provide the same features and performance as their unlabeled counterparts, but do so with increased efficiency. However, the expected energy savings from such labeling may not be as great as expected. This paper contributes to previous research on ES labeling by examining household behavior and electricity consumption. Using two different household surveys on energy use, we provide a first attempt to estimate the impact of ES appliance ownership on actual household electricity usage. The results show a significant effect for ES refrigerators reducing electricity use, while the analysis for ES televisions suggests an increase in electricity usage by LCD TV owners. The findings highlight the need for more research on household energy consumption and the efficacy of the ES appliance program. •This paper examines ES labeling with household behavior and electricity consumption.•We estimate the impact of ES appliance ownership on household electricity usage.•The results show a significant effect for ES refrigerators reducing electricity use.•ES televisions shows an increase in electricity usage by LCD TV owners.•The findings call into question the effectiveness of the ES program.