Energy Star Not Always Energy Efficient

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WTSP) - The Energy Star logo is supposed to guarantee that appliances are energy efficient, but a government report finds some appliances shouldn't wear the label.

Testers at Consumer Reports labs found one freezer that used a lot more energy that it claimed. The freezer claimed an energy bill of $60 a year, but testers say the cost could be double that.

"Manufacturers are supposed to have products tested, and they do, but they themselves test it," said tester Mark Connolly. Connolly estimates five to 10 percent of the appliances he tests should not be labeled Energy Star.

In 2009, some LG refrigerators were suspended from the Energy Star program.

"For the most part, the products that we test that claim to be Energy Star are, in fact, telling the truth," Connolly said.

An audit by the Department of Energy found planned improvements to the Energy Star program had not been implemented, which could "reduce consumer confidence in the integrity of the Energy Star label."

The inspector general identified a number of improvements to the program, and the Department of Energy has put a plan in place to get all those improvements implemented, said Assistant Energy Secretary Cathy Zoi.

As the Department of Energy works to implement those improvements, it's also in the process of planning a rebate program for consumers buying Energy Star products. $300 million in stimulus money is being used.

Zoi added that the Department of Energy is also looking toward using a third party to test some products.