Just by taking a peek at an appliance’s Energy Guide Label, you can make smart decisions about energy efficiency in your home.

Except for ovens and ranges, all major appliances come with an Energy Guide Label, which estimates its energy use under laboratory conditions. The figures are based on U.S. Department of Energy statistics. You can use these estimates to calculate what a particular appliance is likely to cost to operate in your home over the life of the appliance.

Remember to check for the ENERGY STAR logo the next time you go appliance shopping. This seal, created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products on the market. ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances exceed existing federal efficiency standards and will reduce the operating cost of that appliance or product during its lifetime.