Appliance Labeling FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions from Manufacturers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) staff has prepared this list of questions and answers to help manufacturers comply with the Appliance Labeling Rule. The Rule requires manufacturers of certain home appliances to disclose specific energy consumption or efficiency information, derived from Department of Energy (DOE) test procedures, on “EnergyGuide” labels. Additional information about the FTC’s appliance labeling requirements can be found at the FTC’s Web site, at www.ftc.gov/energy. If you have questions about DOE test procedures and conservation standards, please contact that agency at 202-586-9127.

What appliances are covered by the FTC’s Appliance Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 305)?

The Rule requires EnergyGuide labels for clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, window air conditioners, central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and pool heaters. (The Rule also has labeling requirements for certain light bulbs, plumbing products, and ceiling fans.)

What are the reporting requirements under the FTC’s Appliance Labeling Rule?

There are two reporting requirements under the Rule (see 16 CFR § 305.8):

  1. Annual Reports for All Models

    Manufacturers must submit an annual report each year containing information for all appliance models under current production. The report should also contain data for models that have been discontinued within the last year (i.e., are no longer in production). The due dates for appliance annual reports are as follows:

    Showerheads, Faucets, Water Closets, Urinals March 1
    Ceiling Fans March 1
    Room Air Conditioners May 1
    Water Heaters (all types) May 1
    Pool Heaters May 1
    Furnaces and Boilers May 1
    Dishwashers June 1
    Central Air Conditioners July 1
    Heat Pumps July 1
    Refrigerators August 1
    Refrigerator-Freezers August 1
    Freezers August 1
    Clothes Washers October 1
  2. New Models

    Before a manufacturer distributes a new model (or a model subject to design or retrofit alterations which changes the energy data), it must report the energy consumption or efficiency of the model to the FTC.

    The appliance data reported to the FTC is made available to the public. Annual reports are compiled and posted at www.ftc.gov/appliancedata.

How do I report appliance data to the FTC?

The Appliance Labeling Rule does not require a specific reporting format. The FTC staff, however, encourages manufacturers to use the following spreadsheet files, or templates, for reporting purposes. The completed reports should be emailed to: appliancedata@ftc.gov.

Reporting templates:

Do I need to get my labels approved by the FTC before I put them on my appliances?

No. The Appliance Labeling Rule does not require a manufacturer to obtain FTC “approval” before labeling and selling its products. Manufacturers, however, must meet the FTC reporting requirements before covered appliances are distributed. In addition, the manufacturer must comply with DOE testing and certification requirements (see http://www.eere.energy.gov/EE/buildings_appliances.html).

How do I label my product if its energy consumption or efficiency falls outside of the applicable range in the Appliance Labeling Rule?

When the estimated annual operating cost or energy efficiency rating of a covered product falls outside the current range for that product (which could result from the introduction of a new or changed model), the manufacturer must:

  1. Omit placement of such product on the label’s scale, and
  2. Add one of the two sentences below, as appropriate, in the space just below the scale on the label, as follows:

    The estimated yearly operating cost of this model was not available at the time the range was published.

    The energy efficiency rating of this model was not available at the time the range was published.

Appendix L of the Appliance Labeling Rule contains a sample label illustrating how to comply with this provision.

Where can I get a copy of the EnergyGuide label?

A sample of the EnergyGuide label can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/eande/popups/elabel_highres.jpg. Appendix L of the Rule also contains a series of sample EnergyGuide labels. The FTC does not provide copies or templates of the labels. Manufacturers are responsible for producing their own labels for their products in accordance to the specific requirements in the Appliance Labeling Rule.

What national average energy cost figure do I use when calculating operating cost on the EnergyGuide label?

When calculating operating costs on the EnergyGuide label, manufacturers should use the national average cost figures specified in the Rule at 16 CFR Part 305, Appendix K.