Understanding the EnergyGuide on New Large Appliances

New major home appliances have come a long way in the last several years and should always come with a new EnergyGuide rating.   The push for environmentally safe products has produced these guides to help the consumer raise awareness of energy savings and make an informed decision about energy savings.  All large appliances must comply with the Appliance Standards Program which is regulated by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The EnergyGuide estimates the amount of electricity the appliance can save annually with average use.  It then becomes straight forward to compare like sized appliances to equate energy annual energy savings.   Therefore purchasing the lower EnergyGuide rating will save more money than a higher rating.    Nowadays, all new appliances are tested in the factory and calculated to provide a range of usage. 

Additionally, the EnergyGuide label also explains the normal annual energy expenditure for that appliance.  The EnergyGuide label does not mean the appliance is efficient, the only assurance you have that it is energy efficient is the EnergyStar label.  If the same large appliance has the EnergyStar logo in addition to the EnergyGuide sticker, then the appliance has passed rigorous government energy tests. 

EnergyStar was first developed in 1992 by the EPA and was created to identify and promote energy efficient products.  The EnergyStar logo insures the lowest energy use that passed along enhanced power discounts.  Products that have the EnergyStar label generally have between 10 and 20 percent greater energy savings than models that are not rated. 

That helps you save money and is friendlier to the environment, so everyone wins.   When shopping for your next large appliance look for one that uses an EnergyGuide sticker and the EnergyStar logo, you will be sure to get the greatest savings.  Keep in mind an appliance which has an Energy Efficient sticker, is probably has low energy ratings, but will not be an EnergyStar product.