USA TODAY: … A typical electric dryer may now consume as much energy per year as the combined use of an efficient new refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher, reports the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. Homes pay more than $100 annually to run an electric dryer and $40 for a gas one, its report finds…
The Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to boost dryer efficiency. Next year, for the first time, it will allow manufacturers to use the Energy Star label on dryers that use 20% less energy than the minimum efficiency standard. These models will likely have auto sensors that will stop the machine once clothes are dry.
In January, vented dryers — the bulk of the U.S. market — will face a new standard that will boost efficiency about 5%, says Kathleen Hogan, deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency at the Department of Energy. She says that standard, finalized in 2011, was jointly developed by industry and environmental groups… (more)
Ha Ha. The EPA is going to save us 5% of 4 Billion dollars? That’s like 200 million. It’s also like Mr. Obama’s monthly travel budget. All of those employees; a huge budget and all they save us is 200 million? The new carbon rules will cost us many times 200 million. Yet or some reason I am surprised they didn’t recommend clothes lines.
EDITOR; There are many other benefits including lightening loads on utilities and protecting the environment. Besides, $200 million here; $200 million there. It all adds up.