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Sen. Collins' exposé calls into question the validity of Energy Star appliance ratings. The visuals they use focused primarily on clothes washers and refrigerators, and suggested that the appliances purchased in the last 18 years might not save energy
As a person who worked for one of the U.S. major home appliance manufacturers, and who did extensive research on the Energy Star levels to jusify participation in the program, I can state unequivocally that the Energy Star ratings were taken seriously and weren't falsified by that company.
Horizontal axis clothes washers (front-loading, no agitator) use 43 gallons fewer gallons of water per load. The energy savings is a result of having to heat less water per load. When you multiply that savings by the number of U.S. households, the energy and water savings are phenomenal. The water savings also have implications for the energy used to treat wastewater. While the amount may be only a small fraction in any one locale, the aggregate energy and water savings are significant.
The release by Sen. Collins coincides with the Energy Star appliance rebate program included in the stimulus package. I have to wonder if her release of this investigation was calculated to off-set any positive effect the program might have on consumers' perception of the stimulus package passed by the Democratic majority in Congress.
