Editorial methodology

Every ManualHarbor guide follows the same rules so you can rely on it.

1. Specifications are never invented

All model data — capacities, dimensions, ratings, power figures and feature flags — is taken from certification records in the ENERGY STAR database. If a value is not in the record (for example the depth of a refrigerator), we say so rather than guessing.

2. Instructions follow the configuration

Guidance changes with the product: a gas dryer gets venting and gas-leak instructions, a front-load washer gets door-seal care, a cold-climate heat pump gets auxiliary-heat advice. Features such as ice makers, steam cycles, HDR or Wi-Fi are only discussed when the record shows the model has them.

3. Safety comes first

Safety guidance is deliberately conservative and reflects widely accepted practice for gas, electrical, refrigerant and combustion appliances. Work that requires a licensed professional is identified as such.

4. Brand-specific details stay with the manufacturer

Fault codes, part numbers, warranty terms and proprietary procedures vary by manufacturer and production run. We do not publish them unless they come from an authoritative source; instead we point you to your manufacturer's documentation.

5. Costs show their assumptions

Running-cost estimates use U.S. average prices of $0.17 per kWh of electricity, $1.50 per therm of natural gas and $15 per 1,000 gallons of water and sewer. Your local rates may differ significantly.

6. Rankings are computed, not editorialized

Statements such as "uses less energy than 72% of comparable models" are calculated across all certified models of the same type in our database at the time of the last data refresh.

Corrections

If you find an error, please let us know. We review every report.