Appliances
Look for the ENERGY STAR Label
Dishwashers
Energy Star Standard
year
gal/cycle
1994 16
2009 5.8
20124.25
Products earn the ENERGY STAR label by achieving
performance and efficiency levels set by the EPA and
the U.S. Department of Energy. Why is ENERGY STAR
concerned with water efficiency? Delivering and treating
water can require lots of energy. In fact, approximately 20
percent of the electricity used in California is related to
moving, treating, and using water.
Dishwashers
Before 1994, dishwashers used up to 16 gallons of water per
cycle. Today, ENERGY STAR models are sipping as little
as 2.22 gallons per cycle. How did they do it? With improved
soil sensors, water filtration, jets and rack designs.
$300 - $1,660 at hardware & appliance stores
Clothes Washers
Clothes
Washers
Energy Star Standard
year
gal/capacity
1992 15
2009 8.5
2011 6
Today's ENERGY STAR models use 50 percent less water
than standard washers – six gallons of water per cubic foot
of capacity (in industry speak, that's a "water factor of six").
Instead of filling with water, ENERGY STAR washers flip
or spin clothes through a water stream and a high- pressure
spray rinse. This process uses less detergent, is gentler on
clothes and reduces drying time. Top-loading and frontloading models are available. Check with WaterSmartsd.org
and San Diego Gas & Electric about rebates before you buy.
$400-$2,000 at hardware & appliance stores.
