DOE Finalizes Efficiency Standards for Washers and Dryers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued final efficiency standards for clothes washers and dryers today that will both save energy and money for consumers. Many major brands are already selling models that meet these new standards.  

The following is a statement from Joe Vukovich, staff attorney at NRDC: 

“With these rules in place, Americans can be confident that they are saving money, water, and energy with every cycle. The broad support for these rules shows that efficiency standards are a winner all around.   

“These standards will make sure our washers and dryers are not needlessly wasting energy, while also cutting carbon pollution by a combined 71 million metric tons over 30 years.”  

Background: 

A household upgrading to a more efficient version of both products can expect to save about $67 per year on utility bills. Some dryer models will see reduced energy use of up to 40 percent, which is significant when you consider that dryers are one of the biggest energy users in our homes. 

The standards announced today match those recommended to DOE in 2023 by NRDC, appliance manufacturers, and other climate and efficiency advocates.  

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NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at http://www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.