The Most Efficient recognition will represent approximately the top 5 percent of models on the market in the following categories: heating and cooling equipment clothes washers, refrigerator-freezers and televisions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a pilot program to recognize the most energy-efficient Energy Star-certified products in their. Products that receive the Most Efficient designation demonstrate exceptional and cutting-edge efficiency performance that environmentally-minded consumers and early adopters value.

The Most Efficient recognition will represent approximately the top 5% of models on the market in the following categories: heating and cooling equipment clothes washers, refrigerator-freezers and televisions. Rheem and Nordyne are among the first Energy Star partners to be recognized as having the Most Efficient products. Later this year, the EPA will initiate a process to consider additional product categories for potential inclusion in 2012.

In addition to meeting established performance requirements, products must also be Energy Star-qualified and certified by an EPA-recognized certification body. Manufacturers are encouraged to submit products that meet the requirements to EPA for recognition. Criteria can be viewed here.

Consumers will be able to identify Most Efficient products on the Energy Star website and in stores by looking for the Most Efficient designation. They can also check the Energy Star website for more information.