Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Clothes Washers

On April 25, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for clothes washers. That proposed rulemaking serves as the basis for this final rule. DOE is issuing a final rule revising its test procedures for clothes washers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The final rule amends the current procedures, incorporating changes that will take effect 30 days after the final rule publication date. These changes will be mandatory for representations starting 180 days after publication. These amendments codify test procedure guidance that DOE has issued in response to frequently asked questions, clarify additional provisions within the test procedures, provide improved organization of each section, and correct formatting errors in DOE's clothes washer test procedures. DOE has determined that these amendments will not affect measured energy use.