How to Read an Energy Guide Label

They are everywhere you look in appliance stores nowadays. I am talking about the little yellow stickers placed on the fronts of washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and the like.

This sticker is called the Energy Guide label, and it contains plenty of information about the energy consumption of that particular appliance. Knowing how to read this label is important if the health of the planet is a priority in your life. So, to help educate appliance shoppers, here is how to read an Energy Guide label.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An appliance with an Energy Guide label on it.

1. On the upper right corner, you will find the appliance's make and model number. It will also say what type of appliance it is.
   
   For example, it may say Whirlpool, Model #654321, Refrigerator

2. In the upper left corner, the appliance's features are listed. This can detail certain information like the interior space size of the refrigerator or freezer, or the load capacity of a washer.

3. In the center of the label, you will see a number under the words, "This Model Uses." This number signifies approximately how much energy this particular model will use over the course of the year.
   
   The number is measured in kWh/Y or kilowatts hours per year. If the model you are looking at has a higher number than the appliance next to it, then it is less energy efficient than the other appliance.

4. Below the kWh/year number is a scale. Above it, it reads "Energy Use (kWh/year)Range of All Similar Models." Immediately below, you will see a marker somewhere along the scale that signifies where this particular model falls in the terms its energy efficiency in comparison to other similar models.
   
   If the marker is farther to the left, it lets you know that this model is one of the more energy efficient appliances in its class. Farther right means it uses more energy than most of its competitors.

5. The number near the bottom of the sticker with the dollar sign indicates approximately how much money running this appliance will cost you yearly. The amount is based on a national average of electricity rates, so it can actually be slightly lower or higher in your area.

6. By learning how to read the Energy Guide label, you can increase your chances of purchasing an appliance designed to help reduce energy usage.
   
   With Global Warming a major concern, the simple act of replacing your old appliance with a newer, energy efficient one can certainly help conserve electricity which will in turn help reduce emissions.

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[ajoneser]

on 11/15/2008 Good article, important to know, especially when your looking to purchase more energy efficient products.