EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) finalized its revision to the Energy Star residential dishwasher specification. The criteria establish strict new energy efficiency requirements for residential dishwashers. For the first time since 2013, the Energy Star label will recognize a selection of highly efficient compact dishwashers.
A test method for cleaning performance will also help EPA continue to ensure that Energy Star products save energy and water without sacrificing on the functions consumers expect. This specification also establishes the first set of optional “connected” criteria for residential dishwashers. Energy Star dishwashers with connected functionality will offer consumers new convenience and energy-savings features, such as alerts for cycle completion and/or recommended maintenance, as well as feedback on the energy use of the product. As communicated in a official note, under the new criteria Energy Star certified standard dishwashers will use, on average, approximately 12% less energy and 25% less water than required by minimum efficiency standards. Energy Star compact dishwashers will deliver 9% energy savings and 11% water savings over conventional compact products. To earn the Energy Star label, products must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies.
