EPA's Energy Star program continues to have teeth

Apparently, quite a few U.S. citizens have bought into the arm of the Energy Star program that is designed to improve energy efficiency in the home.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports this week that more than 1 million homes have been "qualified" under the Energy Star program for energy efficiency. That means the people who have worked to have their homes labeled or checked against the Energy Star recommendations have saved $1.2 billion on their energy bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds, according to the EPA. This year, the annual savings in electricity costs will be about $270 million, with emissions reductions equipment to approximately 370,000 vehicles.

What goes into an Energy Star home? There are about 6,500 builders around the country that can represent the insulation, high performance windows, duct work, heating and cooling equipment, lighting and appliances that are part of the rating process. An inspector can come in and rate your home for you. The top markets for Energy Star are pretty much which you might expect: Major cities around the country. But I want to give a shout-out to three midwest communities that have made this a priority, including Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis and Oklahoma City.