New ‘common sense’ energy efficiency standards for washing machines and dishwashers could save US consumers $20 billion in energy and water costs.
US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the new standards last week after taking on board feedback from manufacturers, consumer and environmental groups.
Over the lifetime of a washing machine, the new standards could save a typical household around $350, while dishwashers will use around 15% less energy and at least 20% less water.
Currently, washing machines and dishwashers account for around 3% of domestic energy use and over 20% of indoor water use.
The new standards will reduce energy consumption of front-loading washing machines by 15% and water consumption by 35%, while the figures for top-loaders will be 33% and 19%, respectively.
Washing machines and dishwashers are the latest in a series of around 40 different products that have been issued with new efficiency standards under the Obama Administration, which will in total save consumers nearly $350 billion on their energy bills by 2030.
“Working with consumer, industry and environmental groups to develop common-sense energy-saving appliance standards is an important part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to American energy and the Energy Department’s efforts to reduce energy costs for consumers,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
Joseph McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, says the new standards reflect a consensus among manufacturers including Whirlpool, General Electric and LG Electronics, consumer and environmental groups.
“They will result in tremendous energy savings for the consumer while preserving product choice and minimizing manufacturer impact,” he added.
For further information:
energy.gov
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/
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Electrical efficiency standards will save US homes and businesses $1 trillion (14-Mar)
Retrofitting US buildings could save $1 trillion, says report (5-Mar)
Energy efficiency could save apartment building owners $3.4 billion (27-Jan)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5123/
