Yuma, Arizona (NAPSI) - Purchasing a major appliance shouldn’t make you feel like you’ve been put through the wringer.

That’s the word from industry experts who say that there is a way you can make the process less stressful, get the product you need and protect what’s likely to be a significant investment.

Performance Is Key

According to industry studies, homeowners cite performance and cost as their top two concerns when purchasing a major appliance.

Simply put, will you end up paying a lot of money for something that doesn’t live up to its billing? Fortunately, a program has been created to help consumers manage that anxiety.

Called AHAM Verifide, the program was developed by Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to ensure that product performance, volume or capacity, and energy consumption claims are accurately stated by the manufacturer.

Verifying Energy Ratings

The program tests and verifies the energy rating and in some cases certain performance characteristics of a variety of home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, dehumidifiers and room air cleaners.

All products evaluated by the program carry a special mark signifying that the product is eligible for random testing at any time. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on the product’s rating label or on product packaging, making it easy for consumers to recognize these products in stores. In fact, in 2012, more than 15 million appliances will earn the AHAM Verifide mark.

A Voluntary Program

Manufacturers voluntarily participate in the program and their products are eligible for random testing at any time. The tests are conducted at an independent lab and standardized test procedures, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s test procedures, are used for all appliances. All ratings are published in an online searchable directory.

For more information on the AHAM Verifide program, visit www.AHAMVerifide.org.