This paper presents results from field-testing of clothes dryers in fifty Northwestrnhouseholds. When combined with previous lab test results, these data support the case forrnmodifying the current dryer test procedures to promote market differentiation of efficient clothesrndryers.rnDryers are significant energy-using household appliances, yet manufacturers have notrnbeen able to earn an ENERGY STAR® label and very few utility incentives exist. While thernU.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has adopted a minimum efficiency standard, it is notrnmeaningfully stringent. The historic rationale for a lack of focus on dryers has centered onrnperceptions of their undifferentiated energy use.rnDOE recently finalized an additional, voluntary clothes dryer test procedure thatrnmeasures the energy consumption of dryers in automatic termination mode. Dryers tested underrnthis procedure demonstrate more significant differentiation in energy use than those in previousrnDOE test procedures. While this new procedure is a step in the right direction, a more realisticrntest procedure would enable utilities to reward manufactures for meaningful efficiencyrnimprovements.rnClothes dryers with half the energy use and a third the demand of our current fleet arernreadily available in Europe and Asia, but not in North America. Alignment of test proceduresrnwith utility program structures constitutes the precursor for manufacturers to invest in versions ofrnthese products tailored for North America. This paper presents test changes to reward clearrnefficiency leaders and to build market confidence in such products.
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