Tracy Davidson

With summer heat inspiring thousands to shop for air conditioners, the search is on for a consumer brand that combines low prices and efficient energy consumption. For many purchasers, that quest points to Energy Star, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) appliance-rating program, which represents a gold standard for energy-efficient value. Created in 1992, the distinctive blue stickers indicate that a device uses 20%-30% less electricity than mandated by federal standards. Within the last two years, however, the program has come under attack for making dubious claims, mislabeling its products, or insufficiently verifying manufacturers’ claims.