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ASAP

Dishwashers

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

Federal dishwasher standards were established by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987, building upon earlier state standards.  The original standards, which took effect in 1990, required that units have an option to dry dishes without heat.  In 1994, DOE published revised standards, calling for a 0.46 EF (Energy Factor) for full-size units.  In 2006, DOE began a rulemaking to set new standards, with the rulemaking scheduled to be completed March 2009. In 2007, appliance manufacturers and efficiency advocates reached agreement on a new standard of 355 kWh/year (equivalent to 0.62 EF plus an allowance for standby power of 1 Watt), effective 2010. 

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

Update
In December 2007, the Congress enacted H.R. 6, requiring an increase in the minimum energy efficiency of residential dishwashers and setting first-ever water efficiency standards.  Dishwashers manufactured on or after January 1st, 2010 must not exceed 355 kWh per year and 6.5 gallons of water per cycle.  DOE must conclude a rulemaking to consider strengthened standards by January 1st, 2015, which would become effective January 1st, 2018.  (February 2008)

Press Release
Efficiency Advocates Announce Landmark Agreement on Higher Energy and Water Efficiency Standards May 1, 2007