What is an Energy Star qualified high-efficiency washing machine?
With a toolbox of new technologies, new high-efficiency washing machines are saving energy, water, and more. To have the Energy Star label, they are meeting the strict energy and water criteria set by the Energy Star program, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Specifically, they meet Modified Energy Factor and Water Factor criteria. The Modified Energy Factor is the quotient of the cubic foot capacity of the clothes container divided by the total clothes washer energy consumption per cycle, with such energy consumption expressed as the sum of the machine electrical energy consumption, the hot water energy consumption, and the energy required for removal of the remaining moisture in the wash load. The units are cubic feet per kWh per cycle (ft3/kWh/cycle). The higher the value, the more efficient the clothes washer. Energy Star qualified washing machines must have a Modified Energy Factor of 1.72 or more, while the federally re
