Products
Water Coolers
A standard hot & cold bottled water cooler can use more energy than a large refrigerator. An ENERGY STAR qualified model requires about half as much energy as a standard unit.
Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
- Improved separation of hot and cold water to prevent mixing.
- More insulation to better keep heated water hot and chilled water cold.
- Improved chilling mechanisms.
Save Energy, Save Money
Water coolers in homes and businesses consume about 4 billion kWh/year. ENERGY STAR qualified water coolers use about half the energy of conventional models.
Tips for Purchasing or Leasing
Home and Small Office:
Bottled water coolers are sold at retail stores and also through some bottled water distributors. If you are purchasing from a store or off the web, look for the ENERGY STAR on the box or the unit itself. If buying or leasing from a bottled water distributor, tell the distributor that you want an ENERGY STAR qualified model. A list of qualified models is available in the right hand sidebar of this page.
Commercial:
When requesting bids for bottled water service that include provision of water coolers, clearly state a preference for ENERGY STAR qualified models in the request for bids. See UMaine Case Study — Purchaser Version 
(77KB) for an example.
Note: Point of use (POU) water coolers are not covered under the current ENERGY STAR specification.
Tips for Bottled Water Distributors
Consumers already look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for appliances, electronics, and other household items. Using ENERGY STAR in your marketing and advertising can put you at the top of a prospective customer's list. “We Sell ENERGY STAR” or “Ask About ENERGY STAR” linkage phrases are available for use on Web sites and in yellow page ads. Go to Logos and Linkage
Phrase Marks. For more ideas see distributor fact sheet (186KB).
