FAQ

ENERGY STAR® products are the same or better than standard products, except they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, products must meet strict efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since the products use less energy, they save you money on your energy bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. Some examples:

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than the minimum efficiency standard.
• ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs (CFLs) use two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and must meet additional operating and reliability guidelines.
• ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces offer a rating of 90% AFUE or greater, which is about 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

Nearly all products that use gas or electricity can qualify, including lighting products, heating and air conditioning, computers, office equipment, and refrigerators. For a complete listing of products, visit the ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar.gov.

Currently there are no rebates offered for the purchase and installation of new windows or insulation. However, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program offers Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, a program that assesses a home’s overall performance and energy efficiency looking specifically at improvements to insulation, duct sealing, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, and appliances.  Additionally, there are federal tax credits available. You are also encouraged to install ENERGY STAR rated windows to maximize your energy savings.

Take Hutchinson’s online home energy “quick quiz” to find out how much you could save in energy use and utility bills. Also, learn how you can save up to 30% on your energy bills by having a certified technician evaluate your home through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

Yes. New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program offers rebates and design assistance to commercial and industrial customers, as well as to schools and municipalities that want to reduce their energy costs. From simple lighting upgrades to complete retrofits, the NJ SmartStart Buildings Program and ENERGY STAR combine to help small and large users reduce their energy consumption.

The Program provides incentives for energy efficiency upgrades for both new homes and commercial buildings.

For recommendations on the safe recycling of compact fluorescent light bulbs, visit recycleabulb.com. There are also some retailers (such as Home Depot) who are collecting CFLs at stores as part of their recycling program. Or, contact your local county’s recycling center.

Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines.