As the end-of-year holiday season approaches, many consumers consider buying new household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, or televisions. The Ministerio de Energía y Minas has advised the public to pay attention not only to price, brand, or design but also to the energy efficiency of these products.
The ministry emphasized that checking an appliance’s energy efficiency label is important when making a purchase decision. These labels are typically yellow with black lettering and are usually found on the back of the product. Some brands also display energy performance information on the front.
The label classifies appliances according to international standards from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Appliances rated A use less electricity for the same functions, which leads to lower electricity bills.
According to the ministry, choosing energy-efficient appliances offers several benefits: “Ahorro en el consumo de electricidad. Menor impacto ambiental. Mayor innovación y tecnología.” This translates as savings on electricity consumption, reduced environmental impact, and greater innovation and technology.
The ministry added that using more efficient appliances helps reduce overall demand for energy and decreases greenhouse gas emissions linked to power generation. Most efficient devices also include advanced technology that can improve both their performance and lifespan.
“Poner atención a estos detalles puede parecer un pequeño gesto, pero su efecto colectivo es enorme. Si cada consumidor opta por productos energéticamente eficientes, el ahorro total de energía sería considerable, beneficiando tanto al bolsillo como al planeta,” said the ministry. In English: “Paying attention to these details may seem like a small gesture, but its collective effect is enormous. If every consumer chooses energy-efficient products, total energy savings would be significant, benefiting both wallets and the planet.”
The ministry encourages consumers during this shopping season to prioritize efficiency over cost alone: “En esta temporada de compras, recuerda: la mejor elección no siempre es la más barata, sino la más eficiente.” Translated: “In this shopping season remember: the best choice is not always the cheapest one but rather the most efficient.”
For further information about energy regulations and consumer guidance in Guatemala’s electricity sector see https://www.cnee.gob.gt/; for market operations see https://www.amm.org.gt/, and for public electrification programs visit https://www.inde.gob.gt/.
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