In a joint statement Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) announced they are expanding the testing process for appliances that qualify for the Energy Star label.

Under the expansion, all products seeking an Energy Star label will be required to undergo testing in an approved lab, as well as submit to occasional maintenance tests to ensure ongoing compliance.

“Consumers have long trusted the Energy Star brand for products that will save them energy and save them money,” Cathy Zoi, the DOE's assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, said in a statement. “The steps we're taking now will further strengthen and improve the program, building on the results that consumers have come to expect.”

The agencies also announced 35 actions in the past four months aimed at ensuring manufacturer compliance. The actions included pulling US Inc./US Refrigeration from the Energy Star program on March 11 for failure to comply with program guidelines.

For a full update on the Energy Star expansion and a roundup of the compliance actions, read the full statement.

In a joint statement Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) announced they are expanding the testing process for appliances that qualify for the Energy Star label.

Under the expansion, all products seeking an Energy Star label will be required to undergo testing in an approved lab, as well as submit to occasional maintenance tests to ensure ongoing compliance.

“Consumers have long trusted the Energy Star brand for products that will save them energy and save them money,” Cathy Zoi, the DOE's assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, said in a statement. “The steps we're taking now will further strengthen and improve the program, building on the results that consumers have come to expect.”

The agencies also announced 35 actions in the past four months aimed at ensuring manufacturer compliance. The actions included pulling US Inc./US Refrigeration from the Energy Star program on March 11 for failure to comply with program guidelines.

For a full update on the Energy Star expansion and a roundup of the compliance actions, read the full statement.