STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Going shopping for a new appliance? The Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) reminds you to look for the EnergyGuide label, the yellow tag you’ll find attached to most appliances. It tells how much energy an appliance uses and makes it easier to compare the energy use of similar models. Appliances that use less energy are better for the environment; and the more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run, and the lower your utility bills might be.
Do all appliances have EnergyGuide labels?
No, some appliances do not have EnergyGuide labels.
The haves: clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, televisions, water heaters, window air conditioners, central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and pool heaters.
The have nots: ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
Is it safe to assume the estimated operating cost is close to what I’ll actually pay each year?
No, it is an estimate. The cost on the label is based on a national average price for electricity. Your rate depends on where you live. How much electricity the appliance uses depends on how you use the appliance.
What if there’s no EnergyGuide label on an appliance?
Check to see if it’s hanging inside. If a label is missing and the retailer can’t help you, visit the manufacturer’s website. Or, look to see if the retailer has posted the label online.
Are all EnergyGuide labels the same?
No, they are appliance specific. Furnace labels don’t have operating costs; dishwasher labels have two costs — one for people who use electric water heaters, and another for people who use natural gas water heaters. Still, all EnergyGuide labels give you a way to compare the energy use of similar appliances.
Are the national average electricity cost and the cost range always up-to-date?
These figures are updated every five years. This helps all manufacturers base their estimated costs on the same electricity rate and usage patterns. But it also means that the rate used for EnergyGuide labels won’t always reflect electricity prices at the time. It also means it’s possible a newer model’s operating cost won’t be reflected in the cost range. However, the model would still have its own EnergyGuide label.
How can you find out more about the ENERGY STAR program?
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a product must meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). To learn more, visit energystar.gov.
About The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR)
The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR) is the largest not-for-profit trade association in Staten Island, N.Y.
SIBOR exists to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically; and to promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property.
Comprised of over 1,600 members, SIBOR serves real estate agents, brokers and affiliated professionals throughout the borough and surrounding areas.
SIBOR is the provider of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service Inc. (SIMLS), which works as a clearinghouse through which more than 250 local real estate firms exchange information on properties they have listed for sale. Together, its members participate in over 3,000 real estate transactions every year.
All SIBOR members belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
SIBOR may be reached at 718-979-0007 and viewed online at http://siborrealtors.com. SIBOR may also be visited on Facebook at “Staten Island Board of Realtors,” on Twitter via @SIBOR, and on YouTube at the Staten Island Board of Realtors and RelevantPR channels.
Media Contact: Barton Horowitz
Relevant Public Relations, LLC
Headquarters: 718‑682‑1509
Mobile: 917‑715‑8761
Email: [email protected]
