Consumer Information
Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your home. Whether you’re buying a new house, renovating an old one or making an emergency purchase because “old faithful” finally conked out, there’s a lot riding on the choices you make. Your comfort and safety are at stake, but so is your wallet.
Americans typically spend about 46 cents of every dollar they pay in utility bills for “space conditioning.” You can lower those costs by selecting the most energy-efficient equipment that meets your needs and fits your budget.
The EnergyGuide label on home heating and cooling equipment is intended to help you do just that. These labels provide a “snapshot” of the more in-depth energy efficiency and usage information that manufacturers are required to provide with their products — generally through a fact sheet or industry association directory.
The Federal Trade Commission offers a wide range of business and consumer education information online at www.ftc.gov. This information also is available by calling the toll-free helpline at +1 (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357) (TDD: (614) 482-4360) or by writing: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.
The Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network offers a clearinghouse of energy-efficiency information at www.eren.doe.gov. This information also is available by calling the toll-free hotline at +1 (800) DOE-EREC (363-3732) (TDD: (614) 482-4360) or by writing: U.S. Department of Energy B EREC, PO Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116.
Your state and local energy offices and local utility company also may be valuable sources of information.
You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone: toll-free +1 (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: (614) 482-4360; by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or through the Internet, using the online complaint form. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations.
The FTC publishes free brochures on many consumer issues. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or call toll-free +1 (877) FTC-HELP (382-4357), TDD (614) 482-4360.