One of the most difficult things about being a consumer in today’s market is knowing where to go for the right information, and the EnergyGuide label is a perfect source for this information. As a homeowner, purchasing a new appliance for your home – such as an HVAC system – is about more than just locating the right price. It’s also about quality and savings over the course of the product’s lifetime.
Luckily, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has made it easier than ever to spot the best new air conditioner for your home. Instead of guessing how much money you’ll save with your new system, you can see the numbers displayed on the EnergyGuide label. This yellow tag includes plenty of helpful energy-savings information.
On the top left of an item’s EnergyGuide label, you’ll notice the key features of the appliance. On the top right, you’ll see the model, manufacturer, product size and other identifying information. Below this spot, you’ll find the estimated yearly operating cost as well as the estimated yearly electricity use in kilowatt hours (kWh). These numbers will help you compare multiple systems to find the best product for your home and needs.
One thing to keep in mind while browsing products is that the figures listed on the EnergyGuide label are simply estimates. The actual amount of energy usage and annual cost of running the system will depend greatly on your local utility rates as well as how often you use your system. For example, homeowners who keep their thermostat set above 78 degrees during the summer months will experience much lower bills than those who keep their HVAC system pumping at 70.
If you have any questions about choosing an energy-efficient system for your home, or for any other home comfort concerns, contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about the EnergyGuide label and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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