When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay
to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses.
For an energy-smart deal on your next appliance:
- review the appliance’s EnergyGuide label
- compare the energy use of competing models
- look for appliances labeled with ENERGY STAR
Using EnergyGuide Labels
Yellow and black EnergyGuide labels are attached to many household
appliances to help consumers determine the best energy value. Created by the
Federal Trade Commission, these labels are required on all refrigerators,
freezers, dishwashers, water heaters, clothes washers, air conditioners and
furnaces.
Although these labels will not tell you which appliance is the most
efficient, they will tell you the annual energy consumption and operating cost
for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.
Remember that these labels should be considered only as guides to buying
appliances. The actual cost to operate an appliance will vary depending on how
the appliance is used, energy pricing in the area and the appliance’s location
in a home. EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave
ovens, clothes dryers, on-demand water heaters, portable space heaters and
lights.
Appliances Labeled with ENERGY STAR
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR meet strict criteria set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn the
label, products must use less energy than standard products, while offering the
features and quality you expect.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use
10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your
utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more
efficient ENERGY STAR model.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances must also carry the EnergyGuide label.
EnergyGuide labels frequently note whether the product is ENERGY STAR
qualified. The ENERGY STAR mark may also appear on the appliance itself or the
packaging.
