EnergyGuide labels help you compare
Federal law requires that EnergyGuide labels be placed on all new refrigerators,
freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, central air conditioners, heat
pumps, furnaces and boilers.
Don't confuse the bright yellow and black label developed by the U.S. Department
of Energy with the ENERGY STAR® label. EnergyGuide labels feature energy use and
operating cost information to help shoppers compare appliance models, while an
ENERGY STAR label marks appliances with superior energy efficiency. However,
an ENERGY STAR label may appear on the EnergyGuide label if a particular model
qualifies.
Below is a description of the anatomy of an EnergyGuide label.
Top
At the top of the EnergyGuide label, you'll find the manufacturer name, model number, type of appliance, and capacity.
Middle
In the middle, the label shows how a particular model compares in energy efficiency with other models on the market of comparable size and type. Using a line scale, the label indicates where the model falls within a range of most and least efficient units.
Appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers display annual energy consumption (e.g., kilowatt-hour/year). Central air conditioners and heat pumps list Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) or other similar efficiency measures.
Bottom
On the bottom of the label, an estimate of annual operating costs will appear for appliances that are rated by annual energy consumption. This estimate is based on a recent national average of energy prices and assumes typical operating characteristics. Cost estimates may vary depending on your electric price plan.
Some appliances, such as clothes dryers, kitchen ranges and microwave ovens, are exempt from EnergyGuide labeling, since there is little difference in energy use between different models.
Visit the U.S. Department of Energy Web site for more information about home energy efficiency. The EnergyGuide label helps shoppers compare appliance models based on energy use or efficiency.