The Department of Energy finalized efficiency standards on Thursday for new residential clothes washers and dryers coming to the market in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and cut down energy costs for consumers.
The DOE expects the finalized rule to save consumers $2.2 billion per year on utility bills, amounting to $39 billion over 30 years, according to a press release. The rules are also expected to reduce 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of emissions from 9 million homes.
“For decades, DOE’s appliance standards actions for clothes washers and dryers have provided loads of savings for American families while also de-creasing harmful carbon emissions,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. “With strong support from industry leaders and consumer advocates, DOE will continue to roll out innovative appliance solutions throughout 2024 to lower costs for the American people—continuing the cycle of household savings that are the backbone of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.”
The clothes washer standards are expected to allow for between 9%-11% in energy savings and 17%-28% in water savings, while the standards for clothes dryers are expected to use 40% less energy. Compliance is expected to be required from March 1, 2028.
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Dryers will be expected to have a higher combined energy factor rating between 2.02-4.33 pounds per kilowatt hour. For washers, the energy efficiency ratios range between 2.12-5.52 lb/kWH per cycle, and would require a minimum water efficiency ratio of between 0.27-0.77 pounds per gallon per cycle.
The Biden administration has come under fire for its efficiency standards for various appliances, most notably gas stoves, from Republicans, who have fiercely advocated against further regulation on household items.
