The yellow EnergyGuide label turns long-term energy use into a comparison you can make before an appliance reaches your home.
What the yellow label shows
EnergyGuide labels appear on many major home appliances. Depending on the product, the label can show estimated yearly energy consumption, estimated annual operating cost and a comparison range for similar models. The figures are based on standard test procedures, which makes side-by-side shopping easier.
The annual cost is an estimate, not a promise. Your utility rate, household habits, climate and settings can raise or lower the real number.
Compare like with like
A larger refrigerator can use more energy than a smaller one even when both are efficient for their size. Use the label’s description and comparison range to make sure models belong to a similar category. Then compare:
- purchase price;
- estimated annual operating cost;
- expected years of use;
- capacity and features you actually need;
- warranty and repair availability.
A rough long-term comparison can be made by multiplying the estimated annual cost difference by the number of years you expect to own the appliance. It will not predict future utility rates, but it can reveal whether a lower purchase price may be offset by higher energy use.
EnergyGuide and ENERGY STAR are not the same
EnergyGuide is the required comparison label for covered products. ENERGY STAR is a separate efficiency certification used on qualifying models. A product may display both, but each mark answers a different question.
Use your local rate for a closer estimate
If the label provides kilowatt-hours per year, multiply that number by the price you pay per kilowatt-hour. Your utility bill normally lists the rate, though taxes and fixed charges can make a precise calculation more complicated.
Save the label information
Photograph the label and model number before buying. It helps when comparing at another store and creates a record of the estimate connected to the exact model. Also measure the installation space, doorways and required clearances—an efficient appliance that does not fit is not a bargain.
Sources
This is an original AskNovus guide based on the sources listed above. Image credit: Jason Briscoe via Unsplash.