Natural Resources Canada
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July 24, 1997

NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA LAUNCHES ENERGUIDE WEB SITE

OTTAWA— The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), today launched the EnerGuide Web site (http://energuide.nrcan.gc.ca). Consumers, retailers and manufacturers can quickly access Canada's most comprehensive Web site to get information on energy efficiency related to the purchase, use and energy labelling of major electrical household appliances and room air conditioners.

The EnerGuide Web site gives consumers tips on how to select appliances and room air conditioners and how to use them efficiently. It also tells them how to rate the energy consumption of all major electrical household appliances and room air conditioners sold in 1997. And it provides important EnerGuide labelling information that every retailer, dealer and manufacturer should know.

Significant improvements have been made to appliances since the early 1980s, when appliances were first labelled. Newer appliances consume less energy and cost less to operate than those produced even 10 years ago. Better design and insulation and improved components have contributed to reducing the amount of energy used by refrigerators and freezers by over 50 per cent. And dishwashers today use much less water and wash dishes more efficiently than they once did.

In an average Canadian home, about 14 per cent of the energy expenses result from operating domestic appliances. It costs a homeowner more than $350 per year to operate an average-sized refrigerator, chest freezer, range, dishwasher, and clothes washer and dryer. Older appliances cost even more to run. Over the useful life of the appliances, a homeowner will have paid more than $6,000 for electricity to wash and dry clothes and dishes; to cook, heat, cool and freeze food; and to stay cool during hot summer months.

By using the EnerGuide Web site, consumers can get the latest information on how to reduce their energy bills while continuing to enjoy the use of their appliances.

EnerGuide is a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) program that helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products available. The EnerGuide label, which is affixed to most major household electrical appliances and room air conditioners, gives information about the equipment's annual energy consumption. It helps consumers recognize superior energy performance and save money.

The EnerGuide Web site attests to Canada's efforts to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the use of energy. NRCan has worked with appliance manufacturers, utilities and other organizations over the years to offer products to Canadians that gives them more value for their energy dollars. Consuming less energy also helps protect our environment.

The EnerGuide labels for major household appliances and room air conditioners give information about the annual energy consumption of the appliance. A scale on the label can be used to compare models with similar characteristics.

For more information, please contact:
Anne Wilkins
EnerGuide Program
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.: (613) 992-3900
Fax: (613) 943-1590
E-mail: awilkins@NRCan.gc.ca