What Do Energy Efficiency Labels Mean

1. What Do Energy Efficiency Labels Mean?
Using energy-efficientappliances and productsin your homecan significantly cut your utilitybills.
When comparing theefficiency of new products,particularly smaller appliances,a pocket calculator
cancome in handy. (Wattages listed indicate how fast the unit consumes electricity.) Luckily, the
federal government and manufacturers’ associations have made it easy to compare efficiencies of
major household appliances. Labels on these items either show energy efficiency ratings or
estimated annual energy use. As heating and cooling account for the bulk of energy use in a
typical home, all furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners will sport one of the efficiency
ratings listed below. A higher number on the label indicates higher efficiency. HSPF (heating
seasonal performance factor), a heating efficiency rating, compares winter electricity use of heat
pumps. SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), a cooling efficiency rating, compares summer
electricity use of heat pumps or central air conditioners. EER (energy efficiency ratio), a cooling
efficiency rating that compares electricity use of window and portable air conditioners, generally
offers a less accurate comparison than SEER. AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), another
heating efficiency rating, compares the fuel use of natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces. Keep in
mind that the most efficient appliances usually cost more upfront, so have your contractor do a
payback analysis for your home. Just because your neighbor has a particular model does not mean
it will match your household needs.
Look for the Yellow Label
Water heater efficiency can be compared by EF (energy factor). Water heaters also boast a yellow
energy guide label on the tank listing the estimated annual operating cost. You can also use the
yellow energy label to compare refrigerator/freezer and clothes washer efficiencies. Lighting also
consumes a significant amount of electricity. Generally, compact fluorescent bulbs are much more
efficient than standard incandescent bulbs Even though they are more expensive to purchase, their
longer life and higher efficiency will save you money in the long run. Energy Star
(www.energystar.gov) is an excellent way to check out energy efficient appliances. You will also
see the Energy Star label on the most-efficient products in dealer showrooms.