Energy Department pushes washing-machine efficiency higher

January 14, 2010 10:58 AM

The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted a new efficiency standard for washing machines. The energy-use guidelines, effective in 2013, could save the average consumer who buys a machine that meets the updated standard $50 to $100 annually in electricity and energy costs.

Washers made under the new standard would cost $214 more to buy and install on average, according to the Energy Department.

For top-loading machines, the new standard will set the washing capacity per kilowatt hour at 1.60 cubic feet of laundry and the maximum water use at 8.5 gallons per cubic foot of laundry, down from the current 1.26 cubic feet and 9.5 gallons, respectively. For front-loaders the new standard calls for 2 cubic feet of laundry per kilowatt hour and 5.5 gallons of water per cubic foot of laundry.

In other appliance news, the Department of Energy announced on January 12 that it had received certifications for more than 600,000 appliances in 15 categories as part of the agency's plans to step up its enforcement of energy use. Read this post from last month for more details.

Essential information: If you can't wait until 2013 to buy a new washing machine, check out our free buyer's guide to washers and find the best model for your home in our ratings of front-loaders and top-loaders (available to subscribers). To take advantage of a rebate associated with the $300 million cash for clunkers for appliances rebate program, use our interactive map to find the start date in your state and learn about eligible products.

Post a Comment

Comments:

lightlysalted

January 14, 2010 10:34 PM

These energy regulations are getting pretty ridiculous. On Whirlpool models with auto temp control for 4 temps (cold, cool, warm, hot), the hot setting produces water at 95 degrees and warm at 75 degrees, regardless of the temp of input water. How are you supposed to sanitize filthy clothes with 95 degree water? I'm sorry, but let's let people buy what meets their needs. And saving $100 a year sounds great but the longevity of the components sure seems suspect. It's almost as bad as banning many harmless toys but forcing us to have mercury in our light bulbs.

love2wash

January 21, 2010 1:01 AM

good info. tnx for the government effort to help the consumers save on energy bills.
smellgood