Appliance buyers get more energetic about energy efficiency

An added benefit of the nationwide cash for appliances rebate program is that it's raised the profile of Energy Star-certified appliances, according to a new study from J.D. Power and Associates.  Not only are more consumers buying Energy Star appliances but they are more satisfied with them because of the energy savings they enjoy at home.

Dishwashers had the highest Energy Star profile in the report. Of consumers who made a dishwasher purchase this year, 86 percent reported buying an Energy Star appliance—an increase of  five percent over 2009 and nine percent from 2008. "More customers are aware of the Energy Star program than they have been in the past," said Christina Cooley, a senior manager at J.D. Power and Associates in a press release. "The federal rebate program has likely contributed to the increase in awareness of the Energy Star program as 20 percent fewer customers reported that they did not know if their appliance was Energy Star certified in 2010 compared to those that purchased their appliance in 2008 or 2009."

Rebates on dishwashers were offered by many states in the cash for appliance programs. The rebates of up to $100 were often supplemented by rebates from local utilities. With some of the Energy Star-qualified dishwashers in our Ratings selling for below $400, that's a good deal.

At Consumer Reports, we've suggested that Energy Star standards be toughened, as we explain in our recent report: Strengthen Energy Star standards. Still, it's good to see that more consumers are seeking out energy-efficient products.

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