The more efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills are. Using less energy is also good for the environment because it helps reduce air pollution and conserve natural resources.

Most of the differences are on the inside – in the motors, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets and seals, or in electronic sensors that make appliances “smarter.” Even if two models look the same from the outside, less-obvious features inside the appliance can mean a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

Manufacturers must use standard test procedures developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to prove the energy use and efficiency of their products. Many have these tests performed by independent laboratories. The test results are printed on the EnergyGuide labels, which manufacturers are required to put on many of their appliances.

The EnergyGuide labels help you compare the efficiency or annual energy use of competing brands and similar models.

Look for the labels on clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerator/freezers, room air conditioners, water heaters, pool heaters, and on central home heating and cooling equipment.

Labels must contain information about the capacity of the particular model. If you don’t see an EnergyGuide label, ask for the information.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because an appliance has a yellow EnergyGuide label, it must be energy efficient. Instead, use the EnergyGuide label to compare annual energy use between models.