How can you check the energy consumption of a newly purchased appliance?

To check the energy consumption of a newly purchased appliance, reading the energy guide sticker is the most effective method. The energy guide sticker provides important details, such as the estimated annual energy consumption measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This estimate allows consumers to understand how much electricity the appliance is expected to use over the course of a year and can be useful for making comparisons with other appliances.

The energy guide also often includes information about the appliance's efficiency rating, which can help consumers gauge its environmental impact and operational costs compared to less efficient models. This sticker is a standardized way of providing consumers with the energy consumption data they need right at the point of sale, making it a straightforward and reliable resource for assessing energy use.

Meanwhile, other methods like checking the manufacturer's historical data could provide insights on typical usage but may not yield the specific consumption for the exact model. Using a voltmeter could measure voltage or current but wouldn't directly reveal how much energy the appliance consumes over time. Calling a local electrician could potentially offer information or advice, but it does not provide direct, quantifiable data about the specific appliance’s energy usage.