Home Clothes Washers May Use More Water Under Proposal
Published Date: 5/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to roll back the water use rules for home washing machines to an older, simpler standard. This means washers can use a bit more water again, making it easier for manufacturers to meet the rules. If this change happens, it could affect buyers and makers starting soon, possibly saving some money on production costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Washer water-use standard rollback
The Department of Energy is proposing to rescind the amended water use standards for residential clothes washers. If finalized, the water use requirement would return to the statutory water factor of not more than 9.5, which the proposal says would make it easier for manufacturers to meet the standard and could save some production costs.
Allowing washers to use more water
If the proposal is finalized, residential clothes washers would be allowed to meet a water factor of not more than 9.5, meaning washers can use a bit more water again. This change could affect buyers of washers because machines may use more water than under the amended standard.
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