U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
DOE Finalizes Four Consensus-based Efficiency Standards to Save Americans Billions on Utility Bills

"Congress requires DOE to issue energy efficiency standards for a range of appliances and we have successfully met this mandate through robust collaboration between industry, manufacturers, and consumer groups," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "As a result of DOE's commitment to quickly update and strengthen appliance standards American households will see increased savings on their utility bills keeping more money in the pockets of working families while reducing our nation's carbon footprint."   

DOE continues to carry out Congressional direction for energy savings that maintain reliability and performance across household appliances and commercial and industrial equipment. Today's actions are part of a suite of energy efficiency standards advanced by the Biden-Harris Administration this term that DOE projects will together provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years and save the average family at least $100 a year through lower utility bills. DOE also estimates that the full set of standards, once finalized, will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons or more an amount roughly equivalent to the emissions of 18 million gas-powered cars, 22 coal-fired power plants, or 10.5 million homes over 30 years. 

These actions reinforce the trajectory of consumer savings that form a key pillar of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. They also highlight the opportunities to lower costs for American families and businesses in ways that also cut climate pollution.  

Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps 
The Congressionally-mandated efficiency standards being adopted today for commercial unitary air conditioners and heat pumps (commonly known as commercial rooftop units) align with recommendations that a DOE-sponsored stakeholder working group submitted to the Secretary in 2023. The working group represented a diverse set of stakeholders including manufacturers, environmental and efficiency advocacy organizations, and electric utility companies. Compliance will be required from January 1, 2029. The energy savings over 30 years of shipments is 5.5 quadrillion British thermal units, which represents a savings of 10% relative to the energy use of products currently on the market. DOE estimates that the standards would save consumers nearly $24 billion on their utility bills over 30 years of shipments and result in cumulative emission reductions of nearly 109 million metric tons of carbon dioxide an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of nearly 14.2 million homes. 

Circulator Pumps 
The efficiency standards being adopted today for circulator pumps align with recommendations that a DOE-sponsored stakeholder working group including manufacturers, the manufacturer trade association, a contractor association, environmental and energy-efficiency advocacy organizations, and electric utility companies initially made in 2016, and continued to support throughout the rulemaking process. Compliance will be required beginning in 2028. The energy savings over 30 years of shipments is 0.55 quadrillion British thermal units, which represents a savings of 33% relative to the energy use of products currently on the market. DOE estimates that the standards would save consumers nearly $4.3 billion on their utility bills over 30 years of shipments and result in cumulative emission reductions of 10 million metric tons of carbon dioxide an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 1.3 million homes. 

Dishwashers and Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products 
In September 2023, a broad coalition of appliance manufacturers and advocates for consumer protection, water and energy efficiency, and climate action announced their support for updating several home appliance standards, including dishwashers and miscellaneous refrigeration products, following on DOE proposals. The efficiency standards being adopted today for dishwashers and miscellaneous refrigeration products align with the recommendations from the diverse set of stakeholders, including manufacturers, the manufacturing trade association, energy, environmental, and consumer advocacy groups, states, and utilities. With these two direct final rules, DOE has now taken final action on all the appliance categories included in the joint recommendation - which also includes refrigerators and freezers, cooking products, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. 

For dishwashers, compliance will be required starting in 2027. The energy savings over 30 years of shipments is 0.31 quadrillion British thermal units, which represents a savings of 3% relative to the energy use of products currently on the market. DOE estimates that the standards would save consumers nearly $3.2 billion on their utility bills over 30 years of shipments and result in cumulative emission reductions of 9.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 1.2 million homes. 

For miscellaneous refrigeration products, compliance will be required from January 31, 2029. The energy savings over 30 years of shipments is 0.32 quadrillion British thermal units, which represents a savings of 26% relative to the energy use of products currently on the market. DOE estimates that the standards would save consumers approximately $2.0 billion on their utility bills over 30 years of shipments and result in cumulative emission reductions of nearly 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions of over 760,000 homes. 

Lowering Energy Costs for American Families and Businesses  
For more information on cost-savings resources, consumers can utilize DOE's Energy Savings Hub an easy-to-use online resource consumers can use to access the cost-saving benefits of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The website outlines clean energy tax credits and forthcoming rebates, helping people take control of their energy costs and have cleaner and more efficient options as a consumer whether they're looking to purchase an electric vehicle, update an appliance, or make their home safer and more comfortable. To learn how you can drastically cut your energy bills and keep money in your pocket, visit www.energy.gov/save.