How to Read Energy Guide Labels

Federal law requires that EnergyGuide labels be placed on all new refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers.  These labels are bright yellow with black lettering.

Each label provides the following information:

• The manufacturer, model number, type of appliance, and capacity are listed on the top of the label.
• The line scale in the middle of the label shows how that particular model compares in energy efficiency with other models of comparable size and type.
• For refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, and clothes washers the range shows energy consumption in kWh/year or therms/year.  The most efficient models will have labels showing energy consumption at or near the left-hand end of the range, close to the words “Uses Least Energy”.
• For room and central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers the range is not energy consumption, but rather the energy efficiency ratings for these products (EER, SEER, HSPF, and AFUE).  Labels on the most efficient models will be near the right hand end of the range, close to the words “Most Efficient”.

The labels that show the estimated annual energy consumption also show the estimated annual operating costs, near the bottom of the label.  This estimated cost is based on recent national average price of electricity and/or natural gas, and assumes typical operating characteristics.  Pay close attention to the default pricing used and compare it to local market pricing for electricity and natural gas.  This will give a better picture of what it will cost you to operate it.

EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave ovens, clothes dryers, demand-type water heaters, portable space heaters, and lights.