If you’re looking for a new air conditioner to beat the heat in your southwest Arizona home, your first step is to familiarize yourself with the Energy Guide label. It’s big, bright and yellow, so it’s hard to miss. If you know how to use the bright yellow Energy Guide label to compare models while shopping, you’ll be much better equipped to make the right choice.
Let’s break down the Federal Trade Commission-mandated Energy Guide label:
- The appliance type is listed under the Energy Guide name on the left; below that are listed key features of that appliance.
- To the right are the manufacturer, model and size of the product.
- The “Y” in Energy points straight down to a prominent box in the center of the label, with the heading “Estimated Yearly Operating Costs.” The number indicates what it might cost you to run that air conditioner for a year, based on its electricity use and the average national cost of energy. The amount is placed along a cost range of similar models of the product you’re shopping for.
- Below is another box that displays the estimated yearly electricity use in kilowatt hours. This will help you determine a closer estimate of your actual operating costs; simply multiply that number by the rate listed on your electric bill.
- When shopping for a cooling or heating appliance, look for the Energy Star label in the bottom right corner. The Energy Star seal of approval indicates that the product uses less energy than non-certified models while still providing good performance.
Buying an air conditioner is a big decision, and you’ll need all the help you can get. The Energy Guide label is one way to simplify this task. If you need help with this or any other home comfort issue, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric. This year, we’re happy to celebrate 60 years of service to the Yuma area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about Energy Guide label and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric Co services the Yuma area in Arizona. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
