DOE Sets New Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Clothes Washers
The Department of Energy is setting new energy efficiency standards for residential clothes washers that, if they take effect as planned, will require compliance in 2028, it said in a direct final rule published March 15.
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The updated energy efficiency standards are expressed in terms of energy efficiency ratio, measured in pounds per kilowatt-hour per cycle, and water efficiency ratio, measured in pounds per gallon per cycle, as determined under DOE's clothes washer test procedure. The energy efficiency ratio metric includes active mode, inactive mode, and off mode energy use.
DOE will consider comments received by July 3, and if adverse comments are received by that date and DOE finds the comments “may provide a reasonable basis for withdrawal of the direct final rule,” the agency will consider the standards under a concurrently issued and identical proposed rule.
Should DOE move forward with the direct final rule, compliance with the standards will be required for residential clothes washers by March 1, 2028.