Great Information to Help You Understand the EnergyGuide Label

Getting familiar with the EnergyGuide label can make it easier to choose the most energy efficient option when you’re looking for new home heating and cooling equipment. HVAC equipment manufacturers are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to attach these yellow and black labels to their products to help consumers comparison shop. You’ll find them on heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and central and room air conditioners, as well as most major energy-consuming appliances.

What You’ll Find on EnergyGuide Labels

EnergyGuide labels tell you a lot about the different HVAC equipment models you’re considering, such as the efficiency rating and potential yearly operating costs. These numbers are only estimates, though, and other critical factors like installation quality and duct system conditions have a big impact on actual lifetime costs.Here’s what you can learn from a label:

• Specific product details: On the upper right corner, you’ll see the unit’s model number, manufacturer’s name and the size. The type of equipment and the unit’s key features are found on the opposite corner.
• Efficiency rating: Different information is shown in the midsection of the label depending on equipment type. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is included for central air conditioners, while heat pumps have both the SEER and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Boilers and furnaces list the equipment’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. A linear scale right below these figures tells you how the unit rates compared to similar models.

• Regional efficiency standards: Heat pump and central A/C labels now show a highlighted map of the U.S. and list the states where the unit meets the efficiency standards for installation.
• Kilowatt hour consumption: You can find the estimated energy consumption in kilowatt hours listed on some equipment. Multiplying this figure by the rate your energy supplier charges can help you determine the anticipated operating costs.
• Energy Star logo: If you see the Energy Star logo on the label’s bottom right corner, you’ll know the equipment consumes up to 15 percent less energy than a basic model.

For help understanding the EnergyGuide label, contact the Lorain HVAC experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about EnergyGuide labels and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Chatchawan/Shutterstock”