In 1995 the program was significantly expanded, introducing labels for residential heating and cooling systems and new homes.

The requirements are more stringent than the previous specification and existing equipment designs can no longer use the service mark unless re-qualified.

Most appliances as well as heating and cooling systems have a yellow EnergyGuide label showing the annual cost of operation compared to other models.

This label is created through the Federal Trade Commission and often shows if an appliance is Energy Star rated.

[26] Another factor yet to be considered by the EPA and DOE is the overall effect of energy-saving requirements on the durability and expected service life of a mass-market appliance built to a consumer-level cost standard.

For example, a refrigerator may be made more efficient by the use of more insulative spacing and a smaller-capacity compressor using electronics to control operation and temperature.

In particular, electronic controls used on new-generation appliances are subject to damage from shock, vibration, moisture, or power spikes on the electrical circuit to which they are attached.

[27] Energy Star qualified heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning systems, and furnaces are available.

Other qualified home electronics include cordless phones, battery chargers, VCRs and external power adapters, most of which use 90% less energy.

The Energy Star Program Requirements for Imaging Products are focused on product families such as electrophotographic (EP) printers, inkjet printers (e.g., thermal), copiers, facsimile machines and other imaging equipment including MFD's (multifunctional devices).

Typical Electrical Consumption (TEC) of a product family are measured and reported against an allowance set by the maximum throughput of the device.

Operation modes (OM) are measured and reported for devices such as inkjet products against an allowance set by the functions present in the EUT (equipment under test).

The Energy Star is awarded to only certain bulbs that meet strict efficiency, quality, and lifetime criteria.

The rating systems are also used by EPA to determine if a building or plant can qualify to earn Energy Star recognition.

[42] The number of space types that can receive the energy performance rating in Portfolio Manager is expanding and now includes housing,[43] bank/financial institutions, courthouses, hospitals (acute care and children's), hotels and motels, houses of worship, K-12 schools, medical offices, offices, residence halls/dormitories, retail stores, supermarkets, warehouses (refrigerated and non-refrigerated), hotels (see hotel energy management), data centers, senior care facilities, and wastewater facilities.

[41] Some examples of specialised industrial facilities which Energy Star has designed specific performance ratings for include:[49][45] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) annually recognizes small businesses that demonstrate abilities to reduce waste, conserve energy, and recycle.

[51] In response, the Environmental Protection Agency instituted third-party certification of all Energy Star products starting in 2011.

In addition, a percentage of Energy Star certified product models in each category are subject to off-the-shelf verification testing each year.

[57] The current and projected status of energy codes and standards adoption is show in the maps at the link.