U.S. completed energy efficiency standards for appliances

02 September 2009
U.S. completed energy efficiency standards for appliances

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has completed energy efficiency standards for a critical group of appliances that will together save up to 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide once in effect.

In February 2009, President Obama visited the Department of Energy to emphasize the importance of quickening the pace of energy conservation standards for appliances, while continuing to meet legal and statutory deadlines.

“These energy efficiency appliance standards will play an important role in lowering energy use in homes and business across the country,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

“By improving the energy efficiency of each of these appliances – from lighting to ovens to vending machines – we can save money, reduce carbon pollution and increase our energy security.”

Yesterday, the minimum energy efficiency standards for beverage vending machines – the last of the five energy conservation standards - were published in the Federal Register.

This is the first time the Department of Energy is regulating energy consumption for the approximately 2.3 million beverage vending machines in use in the U.S.

The final rule published on Monday will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 9.6 million metric tons from 2012 through 2042 - roughly equivalent to removing over 2 million automobiles from the road for a year – and will save commercial customers of the machines between USD38 and 52 million per year over the same time period.

Appliance rebate program

More than 70% of the energy used in our homes is for appliances, refrigeration, space heating, cooling, and water heating. Replacing old appliances and equipment with those that are ENERGY STAR® labeled can help American families save significantly on their utility bills.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new appliance rebate program, administered by state energy offices.

Up to USD300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be made available to states to promote the purchase of energy efficient appliances. Under this program, consumers can receive rebates to purchase new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances when they replace their used appliances.

Amounts commonly offered range from USD50 to 250, depending upon the product being purchased, purchase price, and other market factors.

Source: DOE