Design options for energy efficiency improvement of residential appliances

Abstract

This report presents information needed for the Department of Energy (DOE) appliance standards evaluation effort. The appliances discussed are refrigerator/freezers, freezers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, water heaters, room air conditioners, home heating equipment, television sets, kitchen ranges and ovens, clothes washers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, central air conditioners (including heat pmps), and furnaces. In the original standards analysis, completed in the early 1980's, DOE segregated the basic models of each product type into separate classes to which different energy efficiency standards would apply. As mandated by the National Energy Conservation Act, the classes were differentiated by type of energy used, and capacity or performance-related features which provided utility to the consumer and affected efficiency. The purpose of this report is to identify the changes that have taken place in the products since the early 1980's, suggest possible revisions to product classes, and update the selection of design options for energy efficiency improvement. Product classes are recommended for each of these 13 product types. Design options to improve energy efficiency are described for each of the product types. Options used in foreign products and in the prototype stage of development are included.