Guaranteed: The Most Recognizable Names In Home Product Quality

"According to independent research, consumers have an almost universal awareness of the Good Housekeeping Seal. And they have a lot of faith in it, too. When choosing between two brands similar in price and features, more than four out of five said they'd be more likely to buy the product with the seal."

"Only products evaluated by the Good Housekeeping Institute qualify for the seal, and they are backed by a two-year limited warranty. The magazine's warranty is in addition to, and independent of, guarantees and warrantees offered by the builder and individual manufacturers."

"But the Good Housekeeping Seal isn't the only stamp of approval home buyers can trust. Underwriters Laboratory's mark, an uppercase 'UL' in a circle, is another label many people recognize as a sign that a product meets certain benchmarks for safety and utility."

"Perhaps not as recognizable is the Energy Star label, which means a product meets the energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency."