What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our environment through superior energy efficiency. The goal is to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted to help slow or stop climate change, while making it easier for customers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer long-term savings on their energy bill without sacrificing performance, features, or comfort. A product earns an Energy Star rating if it meets a number of requirements set by the EPA (which electric fireplaces all meet.
Technically no, but it’s not that black and white. Energy Star ratings are category dependent and they currently don't have a category for heaters or fireplaces at all. We have worked extensively with our manufacturers to have electric fireplaces considered, but unfortunately at this time, it is not a priority for them to add a new category.
Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.
Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.
Electric Fireplaces are LEED Approved
Not being Energy Star rated does not make electric fireplaces any less energy efficient or recommended for sustainable homes. Electric fireplaces actually qualify as a best practice under the LEED program. If no other fireplaces (gas or wood) are used in a home or project, the project can earn 2 points toward their LEED certification. According to Derek Satnik, Director of OntarioGreenSpec.ca, “Electric fireplaces qualify for two LEED® points under credit EQ2, in recognition of not using combustion to create their flame or heat. LEED sees electric fireplaces as equivalent (from an air quality perspective) to not having a fireplace at all: they provide all the benefits of heat and a flame without the air quality concerns.” The goal of this credit is to prevent or reduce indoor air quality (IAQ) problems resulting from construction or renovation projects to sustain the comfort and well-being of construction workers and building occupants for the long-term.
What is LEED Certification?
Organized by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. Building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Benefits include lower operating costs and increased asset value, conservation of natural resources, a healthier and happier living environment, and money-saving incentives like tax rebates. It is an honor to be considered and the future of sustainable development.