A Guide to Understanding the EnergyGuide Label

Before purchasing big ticket items like HVAC equipment or other home appliances, do your research. While you may be overwhelmed by the selection from a wide range of manufacturers and features, it’s easier to compare products than you think. The EnergyGuide label can tell you everything you need to know, but only if you know how to read it.

Why Label It?

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a program to help consumers save money and the environment through exceptional energy efficiency. The EnergyGuide label aims to educate buyers on how much energy an appliance uses and make it easy to compare models.

Using the EnergyGuide Label

This bright yellow label is prominently displayed on most major appliances and contains the following information:

• Key features: The key features of the appliance and similar models in the same cost range are found in the upper left corner.
• Product information: In the upper right corner, you’ll find the manufacturer, model number and unit size of the product you’re looking at.
• Cost information: Cost information is located in the middle of the label. It shows the estimated annual cost of operation, which is based on average use of the appliance and the national average cost of energy. Also found here is the cost range of similar models on a sliding scale. Labels on refrigerators and standalone freezers may vary. Those manufactured after January 1, 2014, have yellow letters on a black background compared to older models with black letters on a yellow background. Be sure to only compare similar labels as calculation methods are different.
• Energy information: Look to the bottom of the label for the annual estimated amount of energy usage based on typical use. Multiply this number by your local electricity rate for a more accurate estimate. If the Energy Star label is on the right, you’ll know the appliance uses less energy than standard models.

For more information on how to interpret the EnergyGuide label, contact Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve provided quality service to Orlando area homeowners for over 45 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about EnergyGuide labels and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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