---
title: "Reading the yellow EnergyGuide label"
license: public-domain
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/25/2022-23063/energy-labeling-rule
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Federal Register, \"Energy Labeling Rule (2022 update)\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-11-02
category: products
checked_on: 2026-11-02
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/25/2022-23063/energy-labeling-rule
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
license_note: "Every fact below restates US government public-domain pages listed under sources. This summary is also offered as public domain."
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Courtesy of Federal Register. Public domain (US government work); use does not imply endorsement by Federal Register."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
source_check_note: "Live site blocks automated fetches (404/403); facts re-verified 2026-11-02 against Internet Archive snapshots listed as archive_url."
date: 2026-11-02
category: products
tags: products, appliances, energy, labels
checked_on: 2026-11-02
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Energy Labeling Rule (2022 update)"
    publisher: Federal Register
    url: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/10/25/2022-23063/energy-labeling-rule
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "EnergyGuide Labeling: FAQs for Appliance Manufacturers"
    publisher: Federal Trade Commission
    url: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/energyguide-labeling-faqs-appliance-manufacturers
    archive_url: https://web.archive.org/web/20261008094158/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/energyguide-labeling-faqs-appliance-manufacturers
    archive_checked: 2026-11-02
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Reading the yellow EnergyGuide label

# Reading the yellow EnergyGuide label

## Summary
The yellow EnergyGuide label on appliances shows an estimated yearly operating cost and where that model falls on a range of similar models. Use it to compare models; your actual cost depends on local rates and use.

*Draft. License: public domain (US government work). Sources: [S1] Federal Register, "Energy Labeling Rule (2022 update)"; [S2] Federal Trade Commission, "EnergyGuide Labeling: FAQs for Appliance Manufacturers".*

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: FTC requires EnergyGuide labels on many appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters, room air conditioners, furnaces and pool heaters.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F2
  claim: The label shows an estimated yearly operating cost based on standard DOE test procedures and national average energy prices.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F3
  claim: A cost range shows the lowest and highest estimated yearly cost among similar models, so you can see where this model ranks.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F4
  claim: Your real cost differs from the estimate depending on local utility rates and how you use the appliance.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02

## Pointers
- id: P1
  answers: Related published note: ENERGY STAR label
  where: energy-star
  access: free, public web page