Do Energy-Efficient Products Really Save Money?

In 2012, The New York Times reported on the findings of a test conducted by the Federal Trade Commission with regard to claims made by five window companies. Among the claims was that use of a particular item could save consumers “up to 47 percent” on heating and air conditioning costs. The Times claimed that many Americans understood the statement to mean that they would save “almost half” on their bills, indicating an assumption that their units would operate with the highest efficiency possible.

FTC Alleges Ads Deceptive

The test was said to be conducted in connection to settlement proceedings between the five window manufacturers and the FTC. The companies were alleged to have made “deceptive” and “misleading” statements about the efficacy of their windows in marketing materials and advertising. In a statement, the FTC offered the position that customers should be “likely” to achieve the maximum efficiency under “normal” …