Technology Fact Sheet -EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

CLOTHES DRYERS to power phantom loads, For more information, contact: ENERGY-EFFICIENT An rating is not currently given to or about $28 per year. Features such as remote Energy Efficiency and clothes dryers. However, there are items to controls, clocks, timers, memories, consider in purchasing and operating a clothes microprocessors, and instant-on features are APPLIANCES Clearinghouse (EREC) dryer. Selection and maintenance guidelines 1-800-DOE-3732 indicators that an appliance will continue to www.eren.doe.gov use power even when it has been turned off. PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS Or visit the BTS Web site at • Select a gas dryer if possible. Gas dryers Televisions and VCRs are big contributors to for major home appliances www.eren.doe.gov/buildings POTENTIAL FOR SAVINGS cost on average 15 to 20 cents per load to phantom loads. use in televisions that According to the 1997 Residential Energy ENERGYGUIDE LABEL Or visit the DOE Energy operate, while electric dryers cost on average are turned “off” costs the United States more Consumption Survey, lighting and appliances Efficiency and Renewable 30 to 40 cents per load. than $750 million each year. The electricity is Energy Network (EREN) used to maintain the remote control and Buildings for used 27% of all energy consumed in residences Web site at • Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor in the instant-on features, and to keep the filaments in the 21st Century and accounted for more than 45% of the energy www.eren.doe.gov drum instead of a temperature sensor near the picture tube warm 24 hours a day. costs. Although these figures include energy Buildings that are more Or visit the EPA ENERGY STAR the exhaust. This type of dryer is more use and costs for lighting and small appliances, energy efficient, comfortable, Web site at accurate in sensing the drying time needed WORKING AROUND PHANTOM LOADS a substantial portion of this use and cost is due www.energystar.gov and affordable… that’s the for clothes and will prevent over-drying. • If possible, choose an appliance without a to major appliances such as , goal of DOE’s Office of Building Written and prepared for built-in clock or timer. While the displays only washers, dryers, , and stoves. M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Technology, State and the U.S. Department of consume about ½ Watt, the power supply in Energy by: • Clean the lint filter after every load to reduce Community Programs (BTS). The potential for savings is even greater than the appliance is converting 120 volts of the possibility of fire. This also increases air To accelerate the development these numbers reflect. They do not include the Southface Energy Institute alternating current to low-voltage direct and wide application of energy cost of water, or the energy use and cost to heat 404-872-3549 flow and decreases drying time. current for the clock or timer. This is very efficiency measures, BTS: www.southface.org the water used by washers and dishwashers. In • Dry a full load of clothes. The dryer uses inefficient and consumes 100 to 200 Wh per • Conducts R&D on technologies cooling dominated climates, energy-efficient U.S. Department of nearly the same amount of energy to dry a LOOK FOR ENERGYGUIDE LABELS day. This is enough energy to run a compact and concepts for energy effi- appliances that do not excessively heat the Energy’s Oak Ridge few items as it does to dry a full load. fluorescent light bulb continuously for Federal law requires a bright yellow National Laboratory ciency, working closely with indoor air can save additional energy by EnergyGuide label to be placed on many types Buildings Technology Center • Dry two or more loads consecutively to save 10 hours. the building industry and with lowering air-conditioning use. of home appliances, including refrigerators, 865-574-5178 energy by taking advantage of excess heat • Avoid leaving appliances with small manufacturers of materials, www.ornl.gov/ORNL/BTC The true (lifecycle) cost of an appliance is the freezers, dishwashers, and clothes washers. left in the dryer from the previous load. transformers plugged in while not in use. equipment, and appliances purchase price plus the cost to operate and This label allows the consumer to estimate how • Consider using air or sun drying. These are Also, consider purchasing all-in-one • Promotes energy/money maintain it over its lifetime. The reduced much a particular appliance will cost to operate free and use only renewable energy appliances, such as a phone with built-in saving opportunities to both operating cost of a more energy-efficient each year and to compare this cost among resources. answering machine and caller id display. This builders and buyers of homes appliance is often sufficient to quickly pay back similar appliances. The comparison scale on will reduce the number of small transformers and commercial buildings its higher initial cost. the EnergyGuide shows the least and most PHANTOM LOADS plugged in. Small transformers are power • Works with state and local It is important to consider appliance placement energy used by comparable models. The When an appliance is turned off, you may think supplies in plastic boxes that plug into a regulatory groups to improve when designing the home. For example, labeled model is represented by an arrow it is saving energy, but many appliances standard wall outlet. building codes, appliance continue to draw power even after they have standards, and guidelines for placing a or freezer near a heat pointing to its relative position on that scale. • Unplugging the appliance when it is not in been turned off. This is called a phantom load. efficient energy use source such as an , , heating Choose a model that is more energy-efficient use is one way of avoiding phantom loads, vent, or direct sunlight will cause it to use more and has a lower operating cost than the least The United States uses about 43 billion kWh of • Provides support and grants NOTICE: Neither the United or use a power strip and switch it off when States government nor any electricity per year as a result of this to states and communities energy to keep food cool. efficient model of the product class. the appliance is not in use. agency thereof, nor any of their continuous, low-level energy use. The average for deployment of energy- Because major appliances can remain in Although operating costs shown on the employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes home uses about 450 kWh per year of its total efficient technologies and operation for 15 to 20 years, it is important to EnergyGuide are calculated using a national any legal liability or responsibility practices consider energy use and its impact on future average energy cost, the local actual operating for the accuracy, completeness, users at the time of purchase. Home owners cost can be easily estimated by multiplying the or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process should consider replacing major home local energy rate by the estimated energy use disclosed. The views and opin- appliances that are 10 to 15 years old. of the appliance as listed on the EnergyGuide. ions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste. those of the United States gov- OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS August 2001 DOE/GO-102001-0788 ernment or any agency thereof. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS CLOTHES WASHERS ® ENERGY STAR • Regular cleaning of the condenser coils every six to twelve • The self-cleaning feature uses high amounts of energy and AND DRYERS The ENERGY STAR program is a joint months can improve the efficiency by as much as 30 percent. reduces the overall energy savings of the model. Operate this Invest wisely in these effort by the U.S. Department of Use extra caution to avoid damaging the coils. feature only when necessary, no more than once a month, and and other large Energy and the U.S. Environmental • Door seals should be airtight. To test them, close the door on directly after using the oven to minimize energy consumption. appliances since they Protection Agency that identifies a single sheet of paper and try to pull it out. If it slides out • Many gas ranges offer pilotless ignition systems with a sealed often have a lifetime high-efficiency appliances. easily, the gasket needs to be replaced to prevent cold air from burner. It is important to keep the igniter clean to provide greater than 15 years. Manufacturers participating in the ENERGY STAR program leaking out, or consider buying a new unit. flawless ignition. The energy and can put an ENERGY STAR label on their models that exceed resource savings • Place the refrigerator or freezer away from a potential heat the federal minimum efficiency standards for appliances DISHWASHERS potential of an source. by a specific percentage (usually 15 to 20 percent, Overall, dishwashers are a better and more efficient way to clean efficient model can • Keep the temperature inside the refrigerator between 37°F and depending on the type of appliance) or a specified dishes than hand washing. Efficient models can use an average provide an early 40°F. The freezer temperature should be set between 0°F and energy consumption level. ENERGY STAR appliances in the of 5.8 gallons of water per load compared with hand washing, payback and cost 5°F for long-term storage or between 10°F and 15°F if frozen program include clothes washers, dishwashers, which can use up to 6.8 gallons of water for the same load. savings throughout foods are usually eaten quickly. refrigerators, televisions, VCRs, home audio equipment, Heating water accounts for more than 80 percent of the energy its life. DVDs, computer monitors, and printers. • Unplug refrigerators and freezers that are not being used to used by dishwashers to clean dishes. Newer, more efficient prevent unnecessary energy use. models save water and energy and also tend to wash better. • Energy efficiency of refrigerators that are 10 to 20 years old CLOTHES WASHERS REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS Refrigerators and freezers consume about one-sixth of all the can be as much as 60 percent of that of a current model. A typical washer will cost about $1,100 to operate over its • Select an ENERGY STAR model. electricity used in American households, much more than any Therefore, replace older refrigerators to reduce energy bills by lifetime. Ninety percent of the energy used in operating a other household appliance. The annual cost to operate existing as much as $15 per month, a savings of $180 per year. • Choose a model with a booster heater that has the ability to washing machine goes toward heating the water that will wash units is about $125, while new, efficient refrigerators cost about raise water temperatures to 140°F to 145°F; this will allow and rinse the clothes. The motor uses only 10 percent of the AND RANGES $50 to $100 per year to operate. additional money to be saved by setting the water heater to total energy consumed. Most conventional washing machines An ENERGY STAR rating is not currently given to ovens and ranges. 120°F. use 25 to 40 gallons of water per complete cycle. Water-saving PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS However, there are items to consider in purchasing and • Look for a dishwasher that provides enough cycles to handle versions can cut water and energy usage by more than operating a stove that can lead to lower energy bills. • Select an ENERGY STAR model. loads of varying food soil. This will minimize overuse of water 40 percent.

• Select a refrigerator of the appropriate size for the household’s PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS and energy. PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS needs. Larger models use more energy, as do refrigerators that • Select a gas oven and range if possible. The major drawback • Choose a model with metered fill as opposed to timed fill. A • Select an ENERGY STAR model. are under-utilized or overly full. to gas is the potential health risks from the combustion by- metered fill model uses a float to measure the water level • The most energy-efficient washing machines are horizontal • Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side refrigerators, products. A proper ventilation system will minimize this risk. inside the dishwasher and to fill the unit to the correct level axis (typically front-loading) machines. They use about one- which use approximately 10 to 25 percent more energy. regardless of the water pressure. Timed fill models are less • Self-cleaning ovens are better insulated than other models, so third the water of a conventional machine to wash the same precise because of water pressure variations. • Select only those features that the household needs. they are more energy-efficient when used appropriately. amount of clothes. These models also do not have agitators, Automatic ice makers and through-the-door dispensers • Electric ranges containing ceramic, halogen, or induction • Select a dishwasher that has an air-dry or overnight-dry which means they are gentler on clothes. They also spin increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent and increase the range elements are more efficient than the type containing feature. Heat drying quickly dries the dishes but at the clothes faster, which results in less drying time and costs. purchase price by $75 to $250. Models with anti-sweat electric coils. They are also easier to clean and allow for expense of increased energy use. M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS heaters consume 5 to 10 percent more energy; however, some greater temperature control. refrigerators with this feature have “energy saver” switches • Use the cold water settings as much as possible. Modern • Consider range hoods with a low-sone rating to eliminate that allow the owner to turn these heaters off. detergents are designed for cold water washing. This reduces noise and provide proper ventilation. Select a model that the energy used to heat water. • Chest freezers are usually more efficient than upright freezers. exhausts fumes and moisture outside rather than recirculating They are better insulated, and the cold air does not spill out the air within the home. If a range hood is not possible, • Periodically check hose fittings and screen, water-intake lines, when the door is opened. Automatic defrost freezers can consider a direct-vented stove if selecting a gas unit. and drain lines for metal or sediment deposits. consume 40 to 50 percent more electricity than manual defrost models. ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS CLOTHES WASHERS ® ENERGY STAR • Regular cleaning of the condenser coils every six to twelve • The self-cleaning feature uses high amounts of energy and AND DRYERS The ENERGY STAR program is a joint months can improve the efficiency by as much as 30 percent. reduces the overall energy savings of the model. Operate this Invest wisely in these effort by the U.S. Department of Use extra caution to avoid damaging the coils. feature only when necessary, no more than once a month, and and other large Energy and the U.S. Environmental • Door seals should be airtight. To test them, close the door on directly after using the oven to minimize energy consumption. appliances since they Protection Agency that identifies a single sheet of paper and try to pull it out. If it slides out • Many gas ranges offer pilotless ignition systems with a sealed often have a lifetime high-efficiency appliances. easily, the gasket needs to be replaced to prevent cold air from burner. It is important to keep the igniter clean to provide greater than 15 years. Manufacturers participating in the ENERGY STAR program leaking out, or consider buying a new unit. flawless ignition. The energy and can put an ENERGY STAR label on their models that exceed resource savings • Place the refrigerator or freezer away from a potential heat the federal minimum efficiency standards for appliances DISHWASHERS potential of an source. by a specific percentage (usually 15 to 20 percent, Overall, dishwashers are a better and more efficient way to clean efficient model can • Keep the temperature inside the refrigerator between 37°F and depending on the type of appliance) or a specified dishes than hand washing. Efficient models can use an average provide an early 40°F. The freezer temperature should be set between 0°F and energy consumption level. ENERGY STAR appliances in the of 5.8 gallons of water per load compared with hand washing, payback and cost 5°F for long-term storage or between 10°F and 15°F if frozen program include clothes washers, dishwashers, which can use up to 6.8 gallons of water for the same load. savings throughout foods are usually eaten quickly. refrigerators, televisions, VCRs, home audio equipment, Heating water accounts for more than 80 percent of the energy its life. DVDs, computer monitors, and printers. • Unplug refrigerators and freezers that are not being used to used by dishwashers to clean dishes. Newer, more efficient prevent unnecessary energy use. models save water and energy and also tend to wash better. • Energy efficiency of refrigerators that are 10 to 20 years old CLOTHES WASHERS REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS Refrigerators and freezers consume about one-sixth of all the can be as much as 60 percent of that of a current model. A typical washer will cost about $1,100 to operate over its • Select an ENERGY STAR model. electricity used in American households, much more than any Therefore, replace older refrigerators to reduce energy bills by lifetime. Ninety percent of the energy used in operating a other household appliance. The annual cost to operate existing as much as $15 per month, a savings of $180 per year. • Choose a model with a booster heater that has the ability to washing machine goes toward heating the water that will wash units is about $125, while new, efficient refrigerators cost about raise water temperatures to 140°F to 145°F; this will allow and rinse the clothes. The motor uses only 10 percent of the OVENS AND RANGES $50 to $100 per year to operate. additional money to be saved by setting the water heater to total energy consumed. Most conventional washing machines An ENERGY STAR rating is not currently given to ovens and ranges. 120°F. use 25 to 40 gallons of water per complete cycle. Water-saving PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS However, there are items to consider in purchasing and • Look for a dishwasher that provides enough cycles to handle versions can cut water and energy usage by more than operating a stove that can lead to lower energy bills. • Select an ENERGY STAR model. loads of varying food soil. This will minimize overuse of water 40 percent.

• Select a refrigerator of the appropriate size for the household’s PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS and energy. PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS needs. Larger models use more energy, as do refrigerators that • Select a gas oven and range if possible. The major drawback • Choose a model with metered fill as opposed to timed fill. A • Select an ENERGY STAR model. are under-utilized or overly full. to gas is the potential health risks from the combustion by- metered fill model uses a float to measure the water level • The most energy-efficient washing machines are horizontal • Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side refrigerators, products. A proper ventilation system will minimize this risk. inside the dishwasher and to fill the unit to the correct level axis (typically front-loading) machines. They use about one- which use approximately 10 to 25 percent more energy. regardless of the water pressure. Timed fill models are less • Self-cleaning ovens are better insulated than other models, so third the water of a conventional machine to wash the same precise because of water pressure variations. • Select only those features that the household needs. they are more energy-efficient when used appropriately. amount of clothes. These models also do not have agitators, Automatic ice makers and through-the-door dispensers • Electric ranges containing ceramic, halogen, or induction • Select a dishwasher that has an air-dry or overnight-dry which means they are gentler on clothes. They also spin increase energy use by 14 to 20 percent and increase the range elements are more efficient than the type containing feature. Heat drying quickly dries the dishes but at the clothes faster, which results in less drying time and costs. purchase price by $75 to $250. Models with anti-sweat electric coils. They are also easier to clean and allow for expense of increased energy use. M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS heaters consume 5 to 10 percent more energy; however, some greater temperature control. refrigerators with this feature have “energy saver” switches • Use the cold water settings as much as possible. Modern • Consider range hoods with a low-sone rating to eliminate that allow the owner to turn these heaters off. detergents are designed for cold water washing. This reduces noise and provide proper ventilation. Select a model that the energy used to heat water. • Chest freezers are usually more efficient than upright freezers. exhausts fumes and moisture outside rather than recirculating They are better insulated, and the cold air does not spill out the air within the home. If a range hood is not possible, • Periodically check hose fittings and screen, water-intake lines, when the door is opened. Automatic defrost freezers can consider a direct-vented stove if selecting a gas unit. and drain lines for metal or sediment deposits. consume 40 to 50 percent more electricity than manual defrost models. Technology Fact Sheet ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

CLOTHES DRYERS energy consumption to power phantom loads, For more information, contact: ENERGY-EFFICIENT An ENERGY STAR rating is not currently given to or about $28 per year. Features such as remote Energy Efficiency and clothes dryers. However, there are items to controls, clocks, timers, memories, Renewable Energy consider in purchasing and operating a clothes microprocessors, and instant-on features are APPLIANCES Clearinghouse (EREC) dryer. Selection and maintenance guidelines 1-800-DOE-3732 indicators that an appliance will continue to www.eren.doe.gov use power even when it has been turned off. PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS Or visit the BTS Web site at • Select a gas dryer if possible. Gas dryers Televisions and VCRs are big contributors to for major home appliances www.eren.doe.gov/buildings POTENTIAL FOR SAVINGS cost on average 15 to 20 cents per load to phantom loads. Electricity use in televisions that According to the 1997 Residential Energy ENERGYGUIDE LABEL Or visit the DOE Energy operate, while electric dryers cost on average are turned “off” costs the United States more Consumption Survey, lighting and appliances Efficiency and Renewable 30 to 40 cents per load. than $750 million each year. The electricity is Energy Network (EREN) used to maintain the remote control and Buildings for used 27% of all energy consumed in residences Web site at • Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor in the instant-on features, and to keep the filaments in the 21st Century and accounted for more than 45% of the energy www.eren.doe.gov drum instead of a temperature sensor near the picture tube warm 24 hours a day. costs. Although these figures include energy Buildings that are more Or visit the EPA ENERGY STAR the exhaust. This type of dryer is more use and costs for lighting and small appliances, energy efficient, comfortable, Web site at accurate in sensing the drying time needed WORKING AROUND PHANTOM LOADS a substantial portion of this use and cost is due www.energystar.gov and affordable… that’s the for clothes and will prevent over-drying. • If possible, choose an appliance without a to major appliances such as refrigerators, goal of DOE’s Office of Building Written and prepared for built-in clock or timer. While the displays only washers, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves. M AINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Technology, State and the U.S. Department of consume about ½ Watt, the power supply in Energy by: • Clean the lint filter after every load to reduce Community Programs (BTS). The potential for savings is even greater than the appliance is converting 120 volts of the possibility of fire. This also increases air To accelerate the development these numbers reflect. They do not include the Southface Energy Institute alternating current to low-voltage direct and wide application of energy cost of water, or the energy use and cost to heat 404-872-3549 flow and decreases drying time. current for the clock or timer. This is very efficiency measures, BTS: www.southface.org the water used by washers and dishwashers. In • Dry a full load of clothes. The dryer uses inefficient and consumes 100 to 200 Wh per • Conducts R&D on technologies cooling dominated climates, energy-efficient U.S. Department of nearly the same amount of energy to dry a LOOK FOR ENERGYGUIDE LABELS day. This is enough energy to run a compact and concepts for energy effi- appliances that do not excessively heat the Energy’s Oak Ridge few items as it does to dry a full load. fluorescent light bulb continuously for Federal law requires a bright yellow National Laboratory ciency, working closely with indoor air can save additional energy by EnergyGuide label to be placed on many types Buildings Technology Center • Dry two or more loads consecutively to save 10 hours. the building industry and with lowering air-conditioning use. of home appliances, including refrigerators, 865-574-5178 energy by taking advantage of excess heat • Avoid leaving appliances with small manufacturers of materials, www.ornl.gov/ORNL/BTC The true (lifecycle) cost of an appliance is the freezers, dishwashers, and clothes washers. left in the dryer from the previous load. transformers plugged in while not in use. equipment, and appliances purchase price plus the cost to operate and This label allows the consumer to estimate how • Consider using air or sun drying. These are Also, consider purchasing all-in-one • Promotes energy/money maintain it over its lifetime. The reduced much a particular appliance will cost to operate free and use only renewable energy appliances, such as a phone with built-in saving opportunities to both operating cost of a more energy-efficient each year and to compare this cost among resources. answering machine and caller id display. This builders and buyers of homes appliance is often sufficient to quickly pay back similar appliances. The comparison scale on will reduce the number of small transformers and commercial buildings its higher initial cost. the EnergyGuide shows the least and most PHANTOM LOADS plugged in. Small transformers are power • Works with state and local It is important to consider appliance placement energy used by comparable models. The When an appliance is turned off, you may think supplies in plastic boxes that plug into a regulatory groups to improve when designing the home. For example, labeled model is represented by an arrow it is saving energy, but many appliances standard wall outlet. building codes, appliance continue to draw power even after they have standards, and guidelines for placing a refrigerator or freezer near a heat pointing to its relative position on that scale. • Unplugging the appliance when it is not in been turned off. This is called a phantom load. efficient energy use source such as an oven, dishwasher, heating Choose a model that is more energy-efficient use is one way of avoiding phantom loads, vent, or direct sunlight will cause it to use more and has a lower operating cost than the least The United States uses about 43 billion kWh of • Provides support and grants NOTICE: Neither the United or use a power strip and switch it off when States government nor any electricity per year as a result of this to states and communities energy to keep food cool. efficient model of the product class. the appliance is not in use. agency thereof, nor any of their continuous, low-level energy use. The average for deployment of energy- Because major appliances can remain in Although operating costs shown on the employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes home uses about 450 kWh per year of its total efficient technologies and operation for 15 to 20 years, it is important to EnergyGuide are calculated using a national any legal liability or responsibility practices consider energy use and its impact on future average energy cost, the local actual operating for the accuracy, completeness, users at the time of purchase. Home owners cost can be easily estimated by multiplying the or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process should consider replacing major home local energy rate by the estimated energy use disclosed. The views and opin- appliances that are 10 to 15 years old. of the appliance as listed on the EnergyGuide. ions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste. those of the United States gov- OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS August 2001 DOE/GO-102001-0788 ernment or any agency thereof. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY