Overview: CEE's Residential Clothes Washer Initiative was launched in 1993 to encourage the development and widespread use of a new generation of energy- and water-efficient clothes washers. When the initiative began, the only washers meeting CEE's efficiency requirements were manufactured in Europe. Today, high-efficiency clothes washers are produced by every major domestic manufacturer and are readily available in virtually all retail outlets.

In January 2007, the federal minimum standard for clothes washers will include a Modified Energy Factor (MEF) of 1.26. As recently as 2003, CEE's high-efficiency specification for clothes washers included an MEF of 1.26. Thus in 2007, all clothes washers manufactured in the United States will meet the high-efficiency levels that had been set by CEE in 2003. This is a prime example of market transformation.

In keeping pace with technology improvements and the increased willingness of manufacturers to produce and market high-efficiency washers, CEE continues to "raise the bar" for efficiency. CEE's clothes washer specification was revised in 2004 and again in 2005. The most recent revision will become effective on January, 1, 2007.

Click here to view the current and future CEE residential clothes washer speifications.

About this Market: An estimated 84 million American households own washing machines and approximately 8 million washers are sold in the United States annually. Sales of efficient washers have been significant when energy efficiency is combined with other selling points, such as capacity, convenience and quality.

How CEE's Residential Clothes Washer Initiative Works: Through industry- and market-based research, CEE has developed a specification that defines high efficiency in clothes washers. There are currently four different levels, or tiers, of efficiency (see next page). Products qualify for the initiative by meeting these specifications during a standard federal test procedure.

Energy-efficiency programs are the driving force behind this initiative. Participating gas, electric and water utilities, as well as other energy-efficiency program administrators, promote high-efficiency washers that meet the CEE specification. Consumer acceptance is fostered through financial incentives (such as rebates), educational activities and promotional programs. By promoting these appliances, efficiency program administrators play a key role in encouraging manufacturers to build and market high-efficiency washers. CEE serves as a clearinghouse for information, updating stakeholders on market developments.

CEE maintains a current list of qualifying products and performance specifications on its Web site.

New Technology: Many of the washers meeting the specification incorporate a front-loading, horizontal-axis design that had very limited availability in North America prior to the initiative's launch. These models tumble the clothes through a small pool of water rather than soaking the entire load in a large vertical container. Since most of the energy needed for clothes washing goes to heating the water, energy consumption is greatly reduced. Some of the CEE-qualified washers are top-loaders, utilizing mechanical and/or computerized advances to save energy.

ENERGY STAR: Virtually all of the CEE-qualified washers also qualify for the DOE/EPA ENERGY STAR program, which endorses high efficiency with a nationally known label. CEE is partnering with ENERGY STAR to promote these high-efficiency washers.

Expected Energy and Water Savings: Clothes washers meeting CEE's specifications use up to 72 percent less energy and up to 57 percent less water compared to standard-efficiency washers. They are projected to save as much as 475 kWh per year when used with an electric water heater and electric dryer. Savings are projected to be up to 13 therms of gas per year when used with a gas water heater and gas dryer. Potential water savings are estimated at up to 8,000 gallons annually.