We all know that it can get to be sweltering in Los Angeles. The ultimate way to stay cool in those hot summer months is to use an air conditioner. If you want to keep your energy costs down, however, it’s important to know how to read EnergyGuide labels. These are the yellow stickers found on modern HVAC equipment. There is a wealth of information available on these labels, once you know how to interpret the contents. By always checking these labels, you can be sure that you not only get the best deal, but also that you are doing your part to protect the environment.
The major components of the EnergyGuide labels are as follows:
- Product features: This section of the label details the product’s main features and specifications. Use this information to select HVAC equipment that meets your specific needs, as well as to compare the unit to its competition and other products in the same product line.
- Manufacturer and model information: This area of EnergyGuide label tells you the model of the unit and who the manufacturer is.
- Estimated yearly energy use: This number indicates the amount of energy you can reasonably expect the unit to consume in a year of typical use. It is quantified in kilowatt hours.
- Estimated yearly operating cost: This scale indicates the amount of money you can expect this unit to cost to operate in a year, quantified in U.S. dollars. The left and right edges of the scale indicate how much similar units cost to run, marked as a minimum and maximum. In the middle, an arrow indicates where this unit sits in that range.
- Energy Star logo: When this logo is present, the device is designed to use less energy. Choosing products with this logo can help reduce your energy costs and also help the environment.
For more information on reading EnergyGuide labels and choosing energy-efficient HVAC equipment, contact us at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating.We serve the greater Los Angeles area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas 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.
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