WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently amended its Energy Labeling Rule to update the cost information and comparability range for its EnergyGuide labels on items such as dishwashers, furnaces, pool heaters and room air conditioners.
The rule, which the FTC says seeks to help consumers understand the energy costs of consumer products, requires yellow EnergyGuide labels on certain appliances and other products. The EnergyGuide labels include estimated annual energy costs and a rating for energy consumption. The guide also gives consumers a range for comparing highest to lowest energy costs for all similar models, according to the FTC.
After seeking public comments on updates regarding the Energy Labeling Rule, the FTC decided to amend the rule with a 2-0 vote in order to improve the labeling for comparability range and cost information. The FTC has set an October 2019 deadline for compliance to the new EnergyGuide labels for room air conditioner boxes.
The FTC, which works to promote competition and to educate and protect consumers, lists consumer topics and has a consumer online compliant section at its website ftc.gov or consumers can also file a complaint by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).