16 CFR § 305.17 - Label content for water heaters.

§ 305.17 Label content for water heaters.

(a) Label content.

(1) Headlines and texts, as illustrated in the prototype and sample labels in appendix L to this part, are standard for all labels.

(2) Name of manufacturer or private labeler shall, in the case of a corporation, be deemed to be satisfied only by the actual corporate name, which may be preceded or followed by the name of the particular division of the corporation. In the case of an individual, partnership, or association, the name under which the business is conducted shall be used. Inclusion of the name of the manufacturer or private labeler is optional at the discretion of the manufacturer or private labeler.

(3) Model number(s) will be the designation given by the manufacturer or private labeler.

(4) Capacity or size is that determined in accordance with this part. Capacity for storage water heaters shall be presented in both rated storage volume (“tank size (storage capacity)”) and first hour rating as indicated on the sample label in appendix L to this part.

(5) Estimated annual operating costs are as determined in accordance with this part.

(6) Unless otherwise indicated in this paragraph, ranges of comparability for estimated annual operating costs are found in the appropriate appendices accompanying this part.

(7) Placement of the labeled product on the scale shall be proportionate to the lowest and highest estimated annual operating costs.

(8) Labels must contain the model's estimated annual energy consumption as determined in accordance with this part and as indicated on the sample labels in appendix L to this part.

(9) Labels must contain a statement as illustrated in the prototype labels in appendix L to this part and specified as follows by product type:

(i) For water heaters covered by appendices D1, D2, and D3 to this part, the statement will read as follows (fill in the blanks with the appropriate fuel type, and energy cost figures):

Your costs will depend on your utility rates and use.

Cost range based only on models fueled by [natural gas, oil, propane, or electricity] with a [very small, low, medium, or high] first hour rating [fewer than 18 gallons, 18–50.9 gallons, 51–74.9 gallons, or 75 gallons or more].

Estimated energy cost is based on a national average [electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil] cost of [____ cents per kWh or $____ per therm or gallon].

Estimated yearly energy use: ____ [kWh or therms].

ftc.gov/energy.

(ii) For instantaneous water heaters, the statement will read as follows (fill in the blanks with the appropriate model type, and the energy cost figures):

Your costs will depend on your utility rates and use.

Cost range based only on [electric models or models fueled by natural gas or models fueled by propane] with a [very small, low, medium, or high] gallons per minute rating [0 to 1.6, 1.7 to 2.7, 2.8 to 3.9, or 4.0 or more].

Estimated energy cost is based on a national average [electricity, natural gas, or propane] cost of [____ cents per kWh or $____ per therm or gallon].

Estimated yearly energy use: ____ [kWh or therms].

ftc.gov/energy.

(10) The following statement shall appear on each label as illustrated in the prototype and sample labels in appendix L:

Federal law prohibits removal of this label before consumer purchase.

(b) Additional information. No marks or information other than that specified in this part shall appear on or directly adjoining this label except that:

(1) A part or publication number identification may be included on this label, as desired by the manufacturer. If a manufacturer elects to use a part or publication number, it must appear in the lower right-hand corner of the label and be set in 12-point type or smaller.

(2) The energy use disclosure labels required by the governments of Canada or Mexico may appear directly adjoining this label, as desired by the manufacturer.

(3) The manufacturer or private labeler may include the ENERGY STAR logo on the bottom right corner of the label for certified products. The logo must be 1 inch by 1 inch in size. Only manufacturers that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Energy or the Environmental Protection Agency may add the ENERGY STAR logo to labels on certified covered products; such manufacturers may add the ENERGY STAR logo to labels only on those covered products that are contemplated by the Memorandum of Understanding.

[84 FR 58035, Oct. 30, 2019, as amended at 88 FR 1139, Jan. 9, 2023]