Confused about how to find energy-smart appliances? Take a minute to learn about appliance efficiency ratings and what to look for on the labels.
The EnergyGuide
Almost all home appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry units, display a prominent yellow-and-black EnergyGuide.
This label developed by the Federal Trade Commission - now simplified from previous versions - can help you figure out how the appliance will affect your utility bills.
The largest number on the guide states the estimated annual operating cost of the appliance. Some equipment, such as ovens or clothes dryers, may have two large numbers - one for electric, one for natural gas.
One of the most helpful features of the EnergyGuide is a sliding scale that compares the appliance you're looking at to other models and brands. When you're comparing appliances, be sure to compare between models of similar size and capacity. |
