DOE finalizes efficiency standards on clothes washers and dryers

The DOE claims the standards will save consumers money, but critics warn they increase the purchase price of appliances, degrade performance, and decrease the longevity of the devices.

By Kevin Killough

Published: March 1, 2024 5:11pm

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday finalized appliance efficiency standards impacting clothes washers and dryers.

“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," Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.

According to the DOE, the standards will save American households $2.2 billion per year on their utility bills.

Critics of the standards, meanwhile, have warned they will increase the purchase price of appliances, degrade performance, and decrease the longevity of the devices, according to reporting by Fox News and the Wall Street Journal.