It is important to learn how to read Energy Guide Labels when in the market for new home appliances. Energy Guide Labels show the annual energy consumption and average operation costs for each appliance. They also reflect an appliance’s energy efficiency range. The more efficient the unit is, the cheaper it will be to operate it. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires manufacturers to put these yellow and black labels on most, but not all, new appliances. For HVAC equipment, you will find Energy Guide Labels on the following products:
- Central Air Conditioners
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Heat Pumps
- Water Heaters
- Room Air Conditioners
How to Read Energy Guide Labels
For February’s Tech Tip of the Month, we look at an Energy Guide Label and teach you how to read and interpret the information listed on the label. Please see below for an example of an Energy Guide Label and a brief description of what each section means:
A. Lists the main features of the HVAC equipment and any similar models that make up the Efficiency Rating below it.
B. Lists the manufacturer and model number of the HVAC unit.
C. Lists the average Efficiency Rating (SEER) for the particular model and size of the HVAC unit. This number can vary depending on the indoor equipment.
D. Lists a range of Efficiency Ratings (SEER), from Least Efficient to Most Efficient, to show how the HVAC unit measures against other similar models.
E. Lists the link to the government website that provides estimated energy costs for your HVAC model.
Above all, it is important to understand that the look and content of Energy Guide Labels are different depending on the appliance. However, every Energy Guide Label provides information to compare energy usage of similar appliances. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Compliance Certification Database to search by product group.
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