Measureing Clothes Dryer Efficiency
Who Developed the Efficiency Measures?
The Environmental Protection Agency has made a new development in the Energy Star dryer efficiency program. Now, clothes dryers that meet EPA’s prerequisites will be able to sport an official energy star seal of approval.
The dryer is the second most energy-consuming household appliance, but over 80% of homes have one.
The EPA developed a method for determining energy efficiency in this decidedly inefficient device to help consumers cut greenhouse gas emissions and billions of dollars in utility costs. The list of qualifying appliances on average consumes 20% less than uncertified competitors, with the trade-off being that these devices are also more expensive.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working diligently over the last several years to find ways “to make America’s economy work better.” They have accomplished this by developing an ENERGY STAR economic rating system, which helps individuals save money while cutting down their carbon footprint at home or work through cleaner choices.
What Is The Measurement Method?
The Energy Star formula for tabulating efficiency breaks down in a rather self-explanatory way, even for people without a background in calculus. When you get down to the nitty-gritty, what matters is the Combined Energy Factor (CEF), which depends on several different aspects: dryer’s use of gas versus electric power; the size of the machine and whether or not it has venting capability. However, if you are one of 20% who uses natural gas-powered appliances, there’s a slim chance that your machine will be efficient with a CEF below 10%.
To determine a dryer’s CEF, you need to divide the weight of its load by how much energy it expends when functioning and in standby mode.
How Does This Impact You?
One of the newest innovations in the laundry will be moisture sensors that can tell you when your clothes are dry. So, no longer do you have to go back and forth checking on how long it’s been or if they’re getting any drier!
Time will still play its part in another feature, though: the low heat setting. Setting clothing cycles to a lower setting may mean it takes longer but is easier on your environment!
The more clothes you can squeeze into a load, the easier it is to run your dryer. A typical family will save \$100 each year on their energy bills with Energy Star clothes dryers!
Additionally, opening up the market for efficient dryers means that we’ll finally be able to find an appliance match for our new high-efficiency washers. The EPA says that these drying cycles are shorter because of less moisture in the fabric after being washed by these newer models, saving money from lower electricity use too!
