APPLIANCE ENERGY GUIDE LABELS: HOW TO READ & USE THEM

WHAT IS AN ENERGY GUIDE LABEL?

Manufacturers are required to put an Energy Guide label on their appliances that details how much energy they use compared to similar models, and how much you can expect to pay to run them. Energy Guide labels are overseen by the Federal Trade Commission and are always yellow, located on or inside the appliance.

Keep in mind the actual cost to operate an appliance will depend on your local utility rates, how you use the appliance and the type of energy it runs on—like gas or electricity.

HOW TO READ AN ENERGY GUIDE LABEL

When you look at an Energy Guide label, you'll find everything from the appliance's type, make and model to how much it costs to run annually. It should also show the yearly energy usage, helping you compare the appliance’s efficiency. 

Use this label to understand and compare an appliance’s energy usage and cost.

WHAT IS AN ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFIED LABEL?

An ENERGY STAR^® certified label indicates that an appliance has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as energy efficient. This certification ensures the appliance meets specific standards aimed at reducing environmental impact. Choosing an ENERGY STAR^® certified appliance can also help consumers save money by lowering utility bills through reduced energy consumption.

For instance, an ENERGY STAR^® certified washer uses about 20% less energy and 30% less water than a standard model.¹ This amounts to roughly $550 in average product lifetime savings from the washer² and $210 in average product lifetime savings from the dryer.³ Learn more about ENERGY STAR^® certified laundry appliances.

While browsing in the store, look for the blue ENERGY STAR^® certified sticker (pictured above) on appliances, or find it on the lower right corner of the Energy Guide label.

WHICH HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES CAN EARN ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFICATION?

ENERGY STAR^® certifications aren’t for just one type of appliance—they’re awarded to efficient washers, dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, electric cooktops and electric ranges. Every appliance type has its own criteria for certification, so keep reading to discover what’s necessary in each category.

ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFIED WASHERS

ENERGY STAR^® certified washers come in both front and top load models and range from 1.6 to 8.0 cu. ft. These washers use 20% less energy and 30% less water than standard models, helping you establish sustainable laundry practices. A full-sized ENERGY STAR^® certified washer uses only 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 20 gallons used by regular machines. Plus, they feature advanced wash systems that gently lift and tumble your clothes, helping extend the life of your most-washed items.

ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFIED DRYERS

Not all dryers can earn an ENERGY STAR^® certification—only certain gas, electric or compact models make the cut. ENERGYSTAR.gov engineers test dryers to see how much energy they use, both while running and in standby mode. The dryer receives a score based on its efficiency, and if that score is high enough, it qualifies for the ENERGY STAR^® certification.

Explore ENERGY STAR^® certified Maytag brand dryers—available in both top and front load configurations to find the right fit for your laundry room.

ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFIED REFRIGERATORS

ENERGY STAR^® certified refrigerators—like these models from Maytag brand—are about 9% more energy efficient than standard models, which means you could save around $230 over the fridge’s 12-year lifetime. These refrigerators use high-efficiency compressors that consume less energy and generate less heat. Better insulation and improved temperature and defrost controls also contribute to more efficient operation.

ENERGY STAR^® CERTIFIED DISHWASHERS

Running a standard-sized, ENERGY STAR^® certified dishwasher costs about $50 per year and can save around 5,800 gallons of water throughout the dishwasher’s lifetime. With innovative features like soil sensors, better water filtration and more efficient jets, these dishwashers optimize performance while using less energy and water than uncertified models or methods like hand washing.

Maytag brand also features a line of Eco Series dishwashers that are designed with efficiency in mind. These dishwashers save you water, energy and money with quality wash and dry performance.⁴