Why is the efficiency reported on the white tag affixed to the appliance different than the efficiency published on the web site?
First, it is important to mention that the efficiency calculation is not mandatory in North America. Manufacturers that have tested their appliances to the EPA Standard must report a “default” efficiency on the little white EPA tag that must be affixed to the appliance. This is why you will see a 63% efficiency rating on that EPA tag. The real efficiency of EPA-certified units, however, is normally between 70% and 80%. It is possible for manufacturers to test their appliances for efficiency. Manufacturers that report an efficiency rating higher than 63% have probably had their appliances tested through an independent laboratory. Although there exist more than one efficiency calculation method, the one generally recognized by North American manufacturers is the Canadian CSAB415.1 method. Our appliances have all had their efficiency tested per that method. You will notice that the vast majority of our appliances have an efficiency rating between 70% and 85%.
