How to use the EnergyGuide label

This sample label explains what you’ll see on a label and how to use the information.

FAQs

Do all appliances have EnergyGuide labels?

No.

Appliances with labels: boilers, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, heat pumps, pool heaters, refrigerators, televisions, water heaters and window air conditioners.

Appliances without labels: clothes dryers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, ovens and ranges.

Is the estimated operating cost close to what I’ll actually pay each year?

No, it’s only an estimate based on typical use and a national average price for electricity. How much you will pay depends on how you use the appliance and your local energy price.

What if there isn’t an EnergyGuide label on an appliance?

Look inside the appliance; the label might be there. You can also check on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s websites.

Are all EnergyGuide labels the same?

Transitional label

No, there are some different labels. Appliances that are rated with updated energy efficiency tests have EnergyGuide labels with bright yellow numbers like this example. Other appliances have original labels with black numbers. Before you compare the features of different models, check the labels. Make sure the models you are comparing have EnergyGuide labels with all yellow numbers or all black numbers.

Also, labels are appliance-specific. For example, furnace labels don't show energy costs; dishwasher labels show two costs — one for people who use electric waters heaters, and another for people who use natural gas water heaters. Still, all EnergyGuide labels give you a way to compare the energy use of similar appliances.

Are the national average electricity cost and the cost range for similar models always up-to-date?

No. The figures are updated every five years to help ensure there’s consistent information on labels for competing models. As a result, the rate used for EnergyGuide labels won’t always reflect your current electricity prices. It’s also possible that a newer model’s energy cost won’t be reflected in the cost range. However, a new model will have its own EnergyGuide label.

Learn more about the ENERGY STAR program

The ENERGY STAR label helps you identify high efficiency models. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR, a product must meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). To learn more, visit energystar.gov.

Your shopping strategy

Ready to shop? Remember to:

1. Measure. You need a space that’s large enough for the appliance, allows you to open the appliance door or lid fully and provides enough clearance for safe ventilation.
2. Compare performance. Decide which features are important to you, and ask how various models operate: Are they noisy? What safety features do they have? What are their repair histories? How much water do they use? Product reviews from experts may be helpful. Customers’ online reviews can help you spot common complaints. Search for the company or product name with words like “review” or “complaint.” Read reviews from several sources.
3. Look at the energy use. Use the EnergyGuide label to compare the energy use of similar models. Using an energy efficient appliance can make a big difference on your utility bills during the life of the appliance. Spending less on utility costs might balance out paying a bit more for an energy efficient model.
4. Ask about special energy efficiency offers. Ask your salesperson or local utility for information about cash rebates, low-interest loans, or other incentive programs in your area for people who buy energy-efficient products. Or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for information about government- and utility-sponsored incentives.

Lowering your energy bill

Buying an energy-efficient appliance is one way you might get the most from the energy you use. Visit DOE's Energy Saver site at energy.gov and ENERGY STAR at energystar.gov to see more ways to save.