When shopping for new appliances, you may take note of those EnergyGuide labels you see stuck to various products. You see them everywhere – washing machines and dryers to ranges, fridges and other appliances. We know these home appliances can use a considerable amount of energy on a regular basis. EnergyGuide labels can help you make a more informed choice and choose an efficient appliance but. However, you may still wonder – what does an EnergyGuide label tell you?
How the energy rating stacks up
When you see the yellow EnergyGuide labels on appliances, you can learn two very important facts. The first is the annual energy cost of the appliance per year. The second is a bar or scale that shows how the energy efficiency of this model of appliance stacks up in relation to other similar models. On the far left side of the bar, you will find the most affordable energy cost for similar appliances, and on the right side of the bar, you find the most expensive energy cost. There is also a marker that indicates how the specific model rates in comparison to similar models. For example, if the appliance is rated in the middle of the bar or scale, this means that the appliance is fairly average in terms of energy efficiency.
The average energy cost
In addition, there is also a number that indicates the average energy cost of the appliance for the year. This is typically based on average usage of the appliance, but a number of factors may play a role in how much money you actually pay to use it over the course of a year. For example, the energy rate extended by your utility company and how you use the appliance will play a role in this. A dryer, for instance, will use more energy if you run it on high heat or if you run more loads of laundry than another person does.
How much money you may save
When reviewing this label, you can also quickly and easily determine how much money you can save by choosing one model over another. For example, if one appliance has an annual energy cost of $100 per year and another has an average cost of $150 per year, you can see that there is a $50 savings per year if you opt for the first appliance over the second. In addition, you can compare the scales to see how the energy rating stacks up.
Those bright yellow EnergyGuide labels are easy to find on various appliances when you are shopping at local stores, and when you know how to read them, they can help you save money. When you have narrowed down your options to a few appliances that are priced suitably for your budget and that have the features you need, take a few minutes to compare the labels to find model that will be most affordable for you to use regularly.
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Post Author: andyc.
