Facts About Energy Guide Labels

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Facts About EnergyGuide \x4 Labels\x4 ENERGY SAVINGS I f you 9re thinking about buying a new major appliance, the EnergyGuide Label can help you find the most energy-efficient model. By comparing the operating costs of similar models, you can choose the best energy buy for your budget. And buying an energy-efficient model can also help reduce pollution and save natural resources.

WHAT ARE ENERGYGUIDE LABELS? EnergyGuide Labels are the bright yellow and black labels you 9ll find on major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and water heaters. Each appliance manufacturer follows Federal standards to test their appliances.

The Federal Trade Commission then uses this information to calculate the energy efficiency of different appliances and their operating costs. The EnergyGuide Label shows the results of these tests and how the appliance compares to other similar models. TYPES OF LABELS You will see one of two different types of labels 4 one that either shows the annual energy use of the appliance or one that shows the energy efficiency of the appliance.

Energy use labels are used on: Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters (see FIGURE 1 on page 2 ) . Energy efficiency labels are used on: Furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps ... more. less.

and pool heaters (see FIGURE 2 on page 3 ) . Some appliances like clothes dryers, ranges, and microwave ovens do not have EnergyGuide Labels because there is very little difference in energy use between the different models. 1 XYZ Corporation Model ABC-W Capacity: 23 Cubic Feet Based on standard U.S Government tests Refrigerator-Freezer With Automatic Defrost With Side-Mounted Freezer With Through-the-Door-Ice Service Compare the Energy Use of this Refrigerator with Others Before You Buy. kWh/year (kilowatt-hours per year) is a measure of energy (electricity) use. Your utility company uses it to compute your bill. Only models with 22.5 to 24.4 cubic feet and the above features are used in this scale. Refrigerators using more energy cost more to operate. This model 9s estimated yearly operating cost is: Based on a 2000 U.S. Government national average cost of 8.034 per kWh for electricity. Your actual operating cost will vary depending on your local utility rates and your use of the product. Important: Removal of this label before consumer purchase violates the Federal Trade Commission 9s Appliance Labeling Rule ( 16 C.F.R. Part 305). Energy use (kWh/year) range of all similar models Uses Least Energy 685 Uses Most Energy 1000 $65 This Model Uses 800 kWh/year XYZ Corporation Model 122345 Based on standard U.S Government tests Central Air Conditioner Cooling Only Split System Compare the Energy Efficiency of this Air Conditioner with Others Before You Buy. SEER , the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the measure of energy efficiency for central air conditioners. Central air conditioners with higher SEERs are more energy efficient. This energy rating is based on U.S. Government standard tests of this condenser model combined with the most common coil. The rating may vary slightly with different coils. Federal law requires the seller or installer of this appliance to make available a fact sheet or directory giving further information about the efficiency and operating cost of this equipment. Ask for this information. Important: Removal of this label before consumer purchase violates the Federal Trade Commission 9s Appliance Labeling Rule ( 16 C.F.R. Part 305). Energy efficiency range of all similar models This Model 9s Efficiency 15.5 SEER Least Efficient 10.0 Most Efficient 16.9 C D B B C A A A B C D FIGURE 1 Manufacturer, model, appliance type, features, capacity and size. The appliance 9s annual energy use. The further the arrow is to the left, the less the appliance costs to use. The range of energy use for similar appliances. Estimated annual operating cost. A B C FIGURE 2 Manufacturer, model, features, capacity and size. The appliance 9s energy efficiency. The further the arrow is to the right, the less the appliance costs to use. The range of energy use for similar appliances. 23 ENERGY SAVING TIPS Æ \x3 Set your water heater to 120 ÚF, or 140 ÚF if you have an automatic dishwasher without an internal heater. Check your owner 9s manual for manufacturer recommendations. Æ \x3 Run the dishwasher only when full. Æ \x3 Use cool or cold water when washing clothes. Æ \x3 Clean refrigerator coils at least twice a year. Æ \x3 Set your refrigerator setting between 38 ÚF and 40 ÚF. Set your freezer to 0 ÚF. Æ \x3 Place your refrigerator or freezer in a cool, dry and well ventilated area. Æ \x3 Check your refrigerator and freezer door seals. Replace them if cold air is leaking out. Æ \x3 When using an air conditioner, set it to 78 ÚF or higher. Æ \x3 When heating your home, set the thermostat to 68 ÚF or lower. FOR MORE INFORMATION If you 9d like more information on energy efficiency, contact SDG&E at 1 - 8 0 0 - 4 1 1 - S D G E ( 7 3 4 3 ) , or by e-mail at info@sdge.com . You can als0 visit our Web site at www.sdge.com . 4\xa5 SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC P.O. BOX 129831 SAN DIEGO, CA 92112-9831 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) www.sdge.com © 2001 San Diego Gas & Electric. E Printed on recycled paper All copyright and trademark rights reserved. HH240 0170031 10/01 1M

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