White Goods have always been a big source of energy consumption in the American household, the American market has also long lagged behind European efficiency standards which have been the measuring bar for success in the past. The new energy standards which have been agreed to be established will raise the efficiency of white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, or dishwashers by 11 to 48%/ The United States Department of Energy is supporting the initiative and believes there are great potentials in savings both in energy and water consumption terms.

The new standards will also mean increased research by American firms into areas of efficiency which could mean that white goods being sold in boom economies such as the BRIC countries could also profit. It is here where white goods are being bought in massive quantities. This is also quiet important considering that the lifecycle of white goods is quiet long and therefore it is important that energy savings are also reflected in the long term ownership price of the goods. The DOE has estimated that if the new goods were bought at current rates a potential of $68 billion USD in utility savings could be realized for customers in the next 30 years. It is hoped that the tax credits in particular will incentivise customers to make the switch to greener white goods next time they are looking for these.

For additional information:

http://www.aham.org/