Selling EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR^® Appliances and Room Air Conditioners

Appliances - Quick Facts

A. Clothes Washers

Today's clothes washers are about 23 percent more energy efficient than they were in 1990, and ENERGY STAR^® qualified models are even better.

Improvements in clothes washers are the result of changeable water-fill controls, more cold-water rinse options, less hot water and more cold water in the warm setting, better mixing valves and increased spin speed.

Both front- and top-loading washers are available. Although both kinds may have the same capacity, the top-loading model looks bigger because of the agitator.

Testing today (CSA Standard C360-98)

This standard is currently under revision and will become C360-04. This test standard is also used as the basis for verifying energy performance for ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers.

The EnerGuide consumption is based on CSA Standard C360-98 that calculates energy consumption based on an Energy Factor, which is essentially the mechanical energy produced by the machine plus the energy to heat the water used during the cycle. ENERGY STAR is currently based on a new factor called Modified Energy Factor (MEF) that takes into account the amount of water remaining in the clothes (which would affect the dryer consumption). The new standard C360-04, which will come into effect in 2004, will use the same test procedure to calculate energy consumption that is currently used to determine ENERGY STAR qualification.

Models that are tested for energy consumption are standard (drum volume equal to or greater than 45 litres) and compact (drum volume less than 45 litres) top-loading automatic clothes washers and front-loading clothes washers (also known as horizontal- axis clothes washers) that draw hot water directly from the water connection.

Various wash cycles at different temperatures and water levels (e.g., suds-saver and wash/rinse selections) are used for testing front- and top-loading washers. Pure-finished bleached cloths that are 50 percent polyester and 50 percent cotton are used for testing. The test cloth measures 60 × 90 centimetres and the stuffer cloth measures 30 × 30 centimetres. The number of test runs on the same cloth must not exceed 60. The test load consists of bone-dry test cloths with a mass of between 1.36 kilograms (minimum) and 3.18 kilograms (maximum). The stuffer cloths are used to achieve the proper mass.

The machine is run through a representative number of cycles (depending on the features of the individual machine), and a number of variables, including energy and water consumption, are recorded.

Calculating the EnerGuide Rating

The energy used during the test wash cycle is multiplied by 392 (the average number of times a Canadian household uses a clothes washer in one year). This is the value on the EnerGuide label.

For example:

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are the best performers. Today, only standard-sized top- and front-loading clothes washers can qualify for ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers
Through superior design, ENERGY STAR qualified washers help save money on utility bills by using less water and energy while cleaning clothes thoroughly. In fact, these clothes washers use 36 percent less energy and 35 to 50 percent less water than traditional models.

Features of ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers

• sensors that prevent energy waste by matching water needs to the size of each load
• advanced high-speed motors that reduce the length of spin cycles and remove more water from clothes, so less time and energy are needed for drying

Canadians can enjoy the benefits of these washers without giving up features they have come to expect from regular units. ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are available in both top- and front-loading designs of varying capacity and offer adjustable water-temperature controls and load sizes.

B. Clothes Dryers

Today's clothes dyers are about 18 percent more energy efficient than they were in 1990. There is no ENERGY STAR^® for dryers.

The main improvements in the energy efficiency of clothes dryers are due to automatic controls that end the cycle by using moisture sensors, thus eliminating over-drying. Combined with ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers that remove water more effectively, drying times are shorter too.

Testing today (CSA Standard C361-92)

Compact clothes dryers (drum volume less than 125 litres) and standard clothes dryers (drum volume greater than or equal to 125 litres) are tested for energy consumption.

For a compact dryer, the test load weighs 1.36 kilograms (dry weight). For a standard dryer, the test load weighs 3.17 kilograms (dry weight). The test load is made up of pieces of cloth measuring 60 × 60 centimetres that are 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester.

The tester wets the load (making it 70 percent heavier) and puts it in the spin cycle of a clothes washer. The energy consumption needed to dry this test load to 4 percent more than its original dry weight is now measured. This is the energy consumption, per cycle, for the clothes dryer.

Calculating the EnerGuide Rating

The energy comsumption per drying cycle is multiplied by 416 (the average number of times a Canadian household uses a clothes dryer in one year). This is the value on the EnerGuide label.

For example:

Note: Extra credit is given for dryers that have an automatic control that turns off the dryer when sensors indicate that the load is dry.

C. Dishwashers

Today's household dishwashers are about 39 percent more energy efficient than they were in 1990, and ENERGY STAR^® qualified models are even better.

Most new dishwashers have many energy-saving features, like short, light or economy cycles, which clean dishes in one detergent wash, followed by two or three rinses. There is also a choice between heat and no-heat drying. Some may have a sensor that measures the amount of dirt on dishes* and determines just how much water is needed to wash them efficiently. All these features reduce both energy and water waste.

* Sensors in certain models also measure load size and modify time and/or water use accordingly.

Testing today (CSA Standard C373-91)

This standard is currently under revision and will be updated in 2004. This test standard is also used as the basis for verifying energy performance for ENERGY STAR qualified products.

Both compact and standard-sized household dishwashers are tested for energy consumption. This includes the energy needed to run the dishwasher and heat the water. Tests are conducted on compact dishwashers with a capacity of fewer than eight place settings and six serving pieces, and on standard-size dishwashers with a capacity of eight or more place settings and six serving pieces.

Dishwasers with built-in water heaters go through a complete normal wash with a standard load of dishes. Dishwashers that use hot water from a domestic water tank set at 60°C go through a complete normal wash without a dish load. The new 2004 test standard with be more effective at determining the energy consumption rating of dishwashers that have soil-sensing technology.

Calculating the EnerGuide Rating

The energy used during a complete dishwasher cycle (energy to run the dishwasher and heat the water) is multiplied by 264 (the average number of times a Canadian household uses a dishwasher in one year – approximately four to five times per week). This is the value on the EnerGuide label.

For example:

Note: Starting November 2003, the U.S. yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label will show an energy rating based on 215 cycles per year. Canada intends to adopt the same test procedure as the United States in 2004. For a short time, you will find that the energy rating on the Canadian EnerGuide label will differ from the U.S. label.

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers are the best performers. Today, only standard-sized dishwashers can qualify for ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers
Dishwashers that display the ENERGY STAR symbol achieve energy efficiency levels at least 25 percent higher than the minimum regulated standard in Canada.

ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers save energy by using improved technology and less hot water. These appliances feature sensors that calculate the required length of wash cycles and the appropriate water temperatures needed to clean each load. Some models feature built-in heating elements that save water-heating costs.

D. Electric Ranges, Cooktops and Ovens

Ranges, cooktops and ovens are already energy efficient, so there are few ways to reduce the energy they use. However, they are still tested for energy consumption. There is no ENERGY STAR^® for ranges, cooktops or ovens.

More oven insulation and tighter-fitting oven door gaskets and hinges have already improved the energy efficiency of these appliances. You can help your customers buy wisely and reduce even further the energy consumption of their appliances by providing them with the following information:

• Smaller ovens use less energy.
• Self-cleaning ovens are better insulated and retain more heat while cooking, but the self-cleaning cycle is energy-intensive, so use it only when needed.
• Some ovens have probes to show when the internal temperature of the food has reached the desired temperature, which helps prevent overcooking and wasting energy.
• According to some studies, the convection option is also considered to be energy efficient.

Testing today (CSA Standard C358-03)

This standard was updated in 2003. The new standard results in reduced annual energy consumption numbers due to updated household-use patterns. The standard also includes tungsten-halogen elements.

Electric ranges with self-cleaning and non-self-cleaning ovens are tested for energy consumption. These ranges include cooktops and single and double built-in ovens. Cooktops and ovens are tested separately. For ranges, the consumption rates of the cooktop and oven are added together.

Cooktops: An aluminum test block containing an electric thermometer is placed on a single element. It is heated at "high" until it reachers 80°C. Then, the heat is turned down 25 percent and the block is left on the element for another 15 minutes. The tester then records the energy consumption, the time the test takes and the final temperature of the aluminum block. This test is repeated for every element.

Ovens: The aluminum test block is placed in the centre of the oven. The oven is heated to the normal baking temperature and remains on for one thermostat cycle (until the indicator light switches on again) after the temperature of the block reaches 130°C above its initial room temperature. The tester then records the energy consumption, the time the test takes and the final temperature of the aluminum block.

If the oven has a forced convection setting, this test is repeated using that setting.

If the oven has a self-cleaning setting, the energy used during each of four self-cleaning cycles is measured and added together. The clock and controls are turned off during testing but are measured separately and added to the total.

Calculating the EnerGuide Rating

There is no simple calculation to show annual energy consumption. However, the amount of electrical power used and the cooktop and oven temperatures are all included in calculating the EnerGuide rating.

E. Refreigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers and Freezers

Today's refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers are about 50 percent more energy efficient than they were in 1990, and ENERGY STAR^® qualified models are even better.

Improvements in energy efficiency have been particularly impressive for refrigerators and freezers. Superior design and technological developments (e.g., improved condensers, compressors, evaporators, fan motors, door seals and foam insulation) have all helped to improve energy efficiency.

What does "type" mean on the EnerGuide label for refrigerators, refrigerators-freezers and freezers?

Every EnerGuide label lists the type of product, its capacity and its energy consumption. It does not list other features because of space restrictions; instead, the type of product is shown by a number. The chart below lists the types of refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers, with their corresponding features. After you get to know them, you will be able to explain to your customers what each type means.

Testing today (CSA Standard C300-00)

Note: This test standard is also used as the basis for verifying energy performance for ENERGY STAR qualified products.

Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers of all types – with automatic defrost, partial automatic defrost, different freezer sections, through-the-door ice service, etc. – undergo energy consumption tests.

Energy consumption is tested at two different thermostat settings. The test period takes between 3 and 24 hours for each thermostat setting, depending on whether the appliance has manual or automatic defrost. Separate tests using 300 gram frozen spinach packages are done for refrigerator-freezers and freezers with manual defrost. For the refrigerator compartment, a series of thermocouples are used to ensure that the temperature is maintained as per the test procedure. The freezer compartments are loaded to 75 percent capacity with the spinach packages. Electric thermometers inside the packages determine the average freezer temperature.

Calculating the EnerGuide Rating

Energy consumption during the test period is measured and then converted into a daily 24-hour consumption value. This in turn is multiplied by 365 to get an average annual energy consumption value. This is the value on the EnerGuide label.

For example:

= 416 kWh/year (annual energy consumption)

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, refrigerato-freezers and freezers are the best performers.

ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator-freezers must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 15 percent.

ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator-freezers incorporate many advanced features, including

• better insulation
• high-efficiency compressors
• improved heat-transfer surfaces
• more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms

Compact refrigerator models must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 20 percent.

ENERGY STAR qualified freezers
ENERGY STAR qualified standard-sized freezers must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 15 percent.

Compact freezer models must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 20 percent.

For more information, including a complete list of models under each type of appliance, see the current version of the EnerGuide Appliance Directory on our Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications.