Youve probably seen EnergyGuide labels on refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, telling you how much energy they use. Now those big, yellow labels are coming to your next TV. Have you seen them yet?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has adopted new rules requiring that all televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 be labeled with new triangular or rectangular EnergyGuide labels. These televisions are just now beginning to appear in showrooms and those big, yellow labels are here to stay. Not only are the labels required on the front of TVs in the store, but also on websites where the TVs are sold.
Unlike many years ago, before flat screens and plasma, todays televisions vary widely in the amount of energy they use, said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. By comparing information on the EnergyGuide Labels, consumers will be able to make better-informed decisions about which model they choose to buy, based on how much it costs to operate per year.
For labeling purposes, the FTC assumes that the average television is turned on about five hours per day. The new label consists of two main disclosures: first, the televisions estimated annual energy cost; and second, a comparison with the annual energy cost of other television with similar screen sizes. For example, based on the EnergyGuide labels on televisions on display now at Wilshire, you can expect to pay $17 to $24 per year to operate a 55 flat screen television.
The new labels are a small but important addition to help us all make smart choices. Only time will tell if the EnergyGuide labels will encourage consumers to buy more energy-efficient models.