The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy must do a better job of updating and upholding Energy Star standards and testing protocols, and manufacturers' self-reported test results should include third-party verification.

That's the conclusion of Consumer Reports, which in its October issue found fault with the 15-year old program recognizing products from 50 categories that are 10 percent to 25 percent more energy efficient. In response, the EPA expressed "disappointment" with the article, saying it "misleads consumers."

Read more about energy star standards here.