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Wash your dishes with an ENERGY STAR dishwasher and you'll be sloshing in energy and water savings. These appliances must meet strict energy-efficiency requirements developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Find it! ENERGY STAR dishwashers

Most major dishwasher manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR models (with the blue ENERGY STAR label), which are sold in appliance centers, home improvement stores, and online. Consult ENERGY STAR's database of qualified dishwashers for specific models and brands.

Before you buy

Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for information about how much energy a particular dishwasher is likely to use compared to similar models and how much it will cost to operate per year. These labels can be compared like price tags to find the most energy-efficient models.

Want to get even more out of your new appliance? Look for a dishwasher with a built-in hot water booster to bring additional energy savings. This raises the water temperature inside the dishwasher to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (recommended for optimal cleaning), allowing the main household water heater to be turned down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less. For every 10 degrees a water heater's thermostat is lowered, the water-heating bill drops by up to 13 percent.[1]

Also, remember that even if an energy-efficient dishwasher costs more than a standard model, you're likely to save significantly on energy and water bills over its lifetime.

Buying an ENERGY STAR dishwasher helps you go green because...

• It uses less water and electricity, thereby helping to conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The average American household uses a dishwasher between eight and 40 hours per month, consuming loads of electricity and water along the way.[2] Not only do ENERGY STAR dishwashers use an average of 1,000 fewer gallons of water per year, but they also use significantly less electricity, mainly by heating water more efficiently. Water-heating accounts for 80 percent of the energy used by the average dishwasher, meaning ENERGY STAR brands can save $25-$35 a year.[1]

ENERGY STAR dishwashers are at least 41 percent more efficient than minimum Federal energy consumption standards.[3] On January 1, 2007, energy efficiency standards for ENERGY STAR dishwashers were raised, requiring them to have a minimum energy performance rating (called an Energy Factor) of 0.65, compared to the previous 0.58.[4]

Because ENERGY STAR dishwashers use less electricity they help cut greenhouse gas emissions related to electric generation.[3] Americans saved enough energy in 2006 by using all ENERGY STAR appliances to avoid the equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions from 25 million cars.[5] In addition, the water saved by using an ENERGY STAR dishwasher means less is taken from rivers and bays, protecting aquatic ecosystems. This in turn reduces water and wastewater treatment costs, along with the energy required to pump and heat water.[6]

Tax breaks and subsidies

In the US, the purchase of an ENERGY STAR diswasher may qualify you for tax incentives at the federal, state, or local levels. For detailed information, see these resources:

• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Updates on potential energy legislation.
• Tax Incentives Assistance Project: Explains federal tax credits for energy efficiency.
• Alliance to Save Energy: Offers an index of energy efficiency programs by state.
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: Provides information on state and federal incentives.
• You can also contact your utility provider for information on local offers.

External Links

• US Federal Trade Commission - How to Buy an Energy Efficient Appliance
• US Environmental Protection Agency - Water Sense