Appliance manufacturer Haier is again the subject of scrutiny for having placed EnergyGuide labels on several of its freezers that may significantly (between 35 and 85 percent) and misleadingly understate the amount of energy that they use. Tests have recently shown that certain models use hundreds of kilowatt hours (kWh) more than what is required for the coveted U.S. government’s EnergyStar compliance rating EnergyStar designation. As a result, Haier’s deception could cost consumers hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of unexpected electricity costs over the life of the appliance.
Three Haier freezers and one GE freezer made by Haier have failed testing designed to determine the accuracy of the energy consumption claims Haier makes on the familiar big, bright yellow EnergyGuide label, that consumers often use to compare appliance models.
Haier’s five cubic foot chest freezer model HCM050EC, which retails for $270, was said by Consumer Reports to have claimed use of 240 kWh per year, but the magazine’s tests show it actually used 444 kWh per year. The seven cubic foot Haier model HNCM070E chest freezer ($260 retail) and the similar GE model FCM7SU chest freezer made by Haier ($220 retail), both claimed use of approximately 276 kWh per year, but they used over 440 kWh per year. The deception with respect to the $750 Haier 20.5 cubic foot capacity upright freezer is possibly even worse. With respect to that large, expensive model, Haier’s label claims use of an EnergyStar rating worthy 689 kWh, but one such appliance was measured in testing at an actual use of 943 KWh.
EnergyStar is a federal government program in which the government partners with private and public appliance manufacturers to promote the use of highly energy efficient products. The widely recognized EnergyStar label and designation is relied upon by consumers as a representation of the very highest standard of energy efficiency. Haier’s apparent misuse of the EnergyStar designation threatens the integrity and vitality of the worthwhile EnergyStar labeling program.
If you have purchased one of the above-referenced Haier-made freezers you may have been the victim of a deceptive consumer practice. Please contact us to discuss your legal rights and options.