WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Energy Star certified clothes dryers are now available. I mean nationwide through major retailers. At least 45 models of dryers earning the Energy Star label. That’s including Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, LG, and also Safemate. For they are at least 20 percent more efficient and now available at prices comparable to standard dryers.
Electric Dryers Consume Most Energy
As we know, electric dryers are one of the most common household appliances and the biggest energy users. That was echoed by U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.
I mean these Energy Star certified clothes dryers offer Americans an opportunity. That’s to save energy and do their part to combat climate change. By working with industry, Energy Star is bringing innovative technology to market. Rd. Especially that’s also good for the planet.
Need to Have Energy Star Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers consume more energy than any other appliance in the home, and 80 percent of American homes have dryers. But unlike clothes washers, which have seen a 70 percent drop in energy use since 1990. So the energy efficiency of most dryers has not improved. If all residential clothes dryers sold in the U.S. were Energy Star certified, Americans could save $1.5 billion each year in utility costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use from more than 1.3 million homes.
New Efficiency Specifications for Electric Dryers
The efficiency specifications were developed with extensive input from manufacturers, retailers, the U.S. Department of Energy, and environmental groups. Manufacturers meet the specification requirements by incorporating advanced sensors that more effectively detect when clothes are dry and stop the dryer.
Energy Star certified dryers include gas, electric and compact models. The Energy Star label can also be found on dryers that feature new advanced heat pump technology and are 40 percent more efficient than conventional models. Heat pump dryers recapture the hot air used by the dryer and pump it back into the drum. By re-using most of the heat, a heat pump dryer is more efficient and avoids the need for ducts.
To earn the Energy Star electric dryer label, products must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers must participate in verification testing programs operated by recognized certification bodies.
Energy STAR
Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20 years, people across America have looked to EPA’s Energy Star program for guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Today, Energy Star is the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov.
Learn more: Energy Star
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2015
