How to Read an Energy Guide Label
The US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, published a new policy
that dictates the full-fuel-cycle measures of energy use and emissions when evaluating energy conservation
standards for appliances. Full-fuel-cycle energy refers to the energy consumed in the extraction, production,
processing and transportation of the fuel to its point of use. DOE is working to make available information to
enable customers to make cross-class comparisons.
The current labels (as shown below) only measure a product’s energy efficiency and environmental impact at the
point of consumption whereas a full fuel cycle measures the total energy efficiency and environmental impact as
energy travels for its original source, such as a coal mine or natural gas well head to its end use in the home. The
full fuel cycle standard better recognizes the inherent efficiency of the nation’s natural gas delivery system – 92%
of the energy produced reaches the consumer as usable energy. Subject to availability of funds, the DOE will work
to make readily available to consumers improved information on the energy use, life cycle cost and associated
emission of comparable products.
By braniac, eHow Contributor
Energy Guide Label
They are everywhere you look in appliance stores nowadays. I am talking about the little yellow stickers placed on
the fronts of washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and the like.
This sticker is called the Energy Guide label, and it contains plenty of information about the energy consumption of
that particular appliance. Knowing how to read this label is important if the health of the planet is a priority in your
life. So, to help educate appliance shoppers, here is how to read an Energy Guide label.
Instructions
1 On the upper right corner, you will find the appliance's make and model number. It will also say what
type of appliance it is.
For example, it may say Whirlpool, Model #654321, Refrigerator
2 In the upper left corner, the appliance's features are listed. This can detail certain information like the
interior space size of the refrigerator or freezer, or the load capacity of a washer.
3 In the center of the label, you will see a number under the words, "This Model Uses." This number
signifies approximately how much energy this particular model will use over the course of the year.
The number is measured in kWh/Y or kilowatts hours per year. If the model you are looking at has a
higher number than the appliance next to it, then it is less energy efficient than the other
appliance.
4 Below the kWh/year number is a scale. Above it, it reads "Energy Use (kWh/year)Range of All Similar
Models." Immediately below, you will see a marker somewhere along the scale that signifies where this
particular model falls in the terms its energy efficiency in comparison to other similar models.
If the marker is farther to the left, it lets you know that this model is one of the more energy
efficient appliances in its class. Farther right means it uses more energy than most of its
competitors.
5 The number near the bottom of the sticker with the dollar sign indicates approximately how much
money running this appliance will cost you yearly. The amount is based on a national average of
electricity rates, so it can actually be slightly lower or higher in your area.
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