NISTIR 7254

Exploration of Potential Energy 

Savings from Smart Appliances 

Natascha S. Castro

 

 
NISTIR 7254

Exploration of Potential Energy 

Savings from Smart Appliances

Natascha S. Castro

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Building Environment Division 

Building and Fire Research Laboratory 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8631

Prepared for: 

U.S. Department of Energy

July 2005 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary

TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION

Michelle O’Neill, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY

William Jeffrey, Director

 
Abstract 

Technological innovations coupled with the decreasing costs of sensors have brought 

about a new generation of "Smart” appliances. While current sensor-based appliances 

have shown the potential to offer consumers increased options for energy and cost 

savings by optimizing energy use for improved performance, smart appliances have the 

potential to process internal operation information and the factors that can influence 

appliance efficiency (i.e., load and weather data, and utility pricing information.) Both in 

the United States and internationally, advances in sensor technology are rapidly changing 

product capabilities and many innovations have moved from concept or prototype stage 

to market. 

In FY 2005, NIST completed a study of existing home networking technologies for smart 

appliance applications. The purpose of this study was to determine the communications 

infrastructure needed to bring more efficient appliance applications to market and to 

evaluate the benefits of selected technologies, highlighting opportunities for advancing 

more energy efficient appliances. 

This report provides an overview of recent innovations in residential appliances and 

identifies specific appliances with enhanced energy savings potential in home-networked 

environments. 

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficient 

and Renewable Energy. 

Certain trade names or and industry standards are mentioned in the text to illustrate 

statements. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by 

the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the technology 

is the best available for the purpose.

 1 
Introduction 

According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), residential buildings use 

over 20 % of the energy consumed in the United States, generating an estimated 313.4 

metric tons of carbon monoxide annually. Furthermore, national survey data for 2001 

showed that 31 % of the residential energy consumption was attributed to home

appliances and air-conditioners [1]. Historically, government and industry have 

recognized these as significant energy loads and worked to identify ways to reduce 

energy consumption for residential appliances. The need for this work is amplified in 

light of increasing energy demand and limited resources. 

In 1975, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) established an energy 

conservation program for major household appliances. DOE’s Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Buildings Technology Program conducts the program, 

which addresses testing, labeling, and education [2]. EPCA was expanded in 1978 to 

address federal energy conservation standards and to include certain industrial 

equipment. Overall it has had a tremendous impact, promoting energy efficiency 

measures for covered products [3]. 

The Department of Energy’s list of residential “covered products” encompasses all the 

residential appliances for which there is a federal test procedure to rate energy 

consumption as well as a federal minimum energy standard. This includes: 

refrigerators/freezers, room and central air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, 

furnaces, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, kitchen ranges and ovens, pool 

heaters, television sets, fluorescent lamps and ballasts, incandescent reflector lamps, 

faucets, showerheads, water closets and urinals. This report focuses on the primary 

energy-using appliances typically found in U.S. households with the aim of identifying 

recent innovations and technological improvements, including those still at the prototype 

stage. 

The report begins with an overview of existing home communications technologies and 

then presents the status of developments for industry protocol and smart home platforms 

internationally and in the United States. The next section addresses innovative 

applications and industry trends with specific information for refrigerators, laundry 

machines, dishwashers, water heaters, ranges and ovens and presents scenarios for energy 

savings using home networking. The report then provides conclusions and 

recommendations. 

Overview of Communication Technologies 

Traditionally the consumer’s home electrical system has been used to power individual 

appliances as well as to provide electricity to lighting fixtures and outlets throughout the 

home. In recent years, this wiring system has been extended to provide additional 

communications capabilities, and alternatives including the use of phone lines, radio 

signals (wireless), infrared, and communications wiring have been tested. The tradeoffs 

for these technologies are summarized below. 

 2 
Powerline carrier (PLC) networks transmit data (i.e., voice, faxes, e-mail, and Web 

pages) over regular electrical wiring. The advantage is that virtually every home is 

already equipped with a power line network, transforming every electrical outlet in the 

immediate area into a network connection. When properly applied, wires and sockets are 

used simultaneously for electricity and data, without disrupting each other. Hence, 

appliances designed with unique identifications such as individual Internet protocol (IP) 

addresses can be connected to the power line network, giving access to each appliance. 

The current industry standard for PLC is HomePlug 1.0, developed by the HomePlug 

Powerline Alliance, an industry consortium [4]. This technology seeks to bridge home 

power lines with existing network technology. 

Phone lines, also pre-existing in most homes, have the added benefit that the wire is 

already suitable for voice communications and data transfer. The use of this technology 

has already been extended to provide secure, digital distribution of video, music and data 

to all connected rooms in a home. However, the disadvantages are that additional wiring 

may be necessary to increase the number of phone connections and interference is a real 

problem because phone wires are typically not shielded. Static noise on the phone line, 

as well as changes in weather and electrical storms, can also cause phone line problems. 

Infrared is a reliable and inexpensive communications option widely used for remote 

control of televisions; however, its primary disadvantage is that it only works on line of 

sight, which therefore limits its use in a smart home. It also has the disadvantage of 

limiting communication to between only two devices at one time, which may not be 

practical when trying to connect several appliances on a network. 

The use of radio frequency (RF) signals for wireless networking applications has been 

marketed in the past decade with great acceptance in the computer industry and is now 

more widely applicable. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.(IEEE) 

established early standards for wireless communications including: IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) 

standards that support air interface between and among radio-frequency wireless clients 

in local area networks and IEEE 802.15 standards, which provide for low-complexity, 

low power wireless connectivity for portable devices in wireless personal area networks 

[5]. The technology is under continued development to optimize designs for specific 

application areas (i.e., home control and monitoring, building automation, industrial 

applications). In the United States and internationally, consortiums of manufacturers 

have evaluated existing wireless communications options and have worked together to 

develop industry protocol to establish a basis for new networked product lines that offer 

interoperability based on the IEEE standards. Two examples are described below: 

1) a proprietary RF wireless communications technology designed for residential and 

light commercial control and status reading applications. 

2) an interoperable standards-based RF wireless communications technology designed for 

industrial, residential, and home control and monitor applications. 

Other structured communications wiring options can provide the means to create a 

home network. This includes RG-6 (coaxial) wire typically used for entertainment 

 3 
systems, CAT 5 (network cable) wire for data and communications, or special cables for 

home control or fiber optics [6]. 

Industry Protocol and Smart Home Platforms 

In the appliance industry there is no ‘standard home network’; rather, the trade-offs for 

various technologies must be weighed to find the appropriate solution for different 

applications. Several associations have worked together to create and industry protocol 

that addresses the needs associated with providing added functionality to common 

appliances to creating new ways to improve the home environment. 

In 1988, the Electronic Industries Association of Japan published two home networking 

protocols, ET 2101 and JEM 1439. These standards are now available through the 

Japanese Electronics and Information Technology Industries [7]. More recently, a group 

of companies established a technical specification to facilitate the development of home 

networking systems by creating a platform that requires no special rewiring, so that it can 

be readily applied to existing homes and can easily control a wide range of devices. The 

result is the Energy Conservation and Homecare Network (ECHONET) Standard version 

1.0 published in 2000 and version 2.0 published in 2001 [8]. This protocol is the basis 

for the development of smart home platforms. Lessons learned in Japan are applicable in 

the United States. By developing the standard industry protocol, individual companies 

were able to focus their resources on developing network compatible devices, rather than 

having to develop new platforms. The added product capabilities already increase the 

complexity of the appliances and present a challenge and therefore a cost to developers. 

One manufacturer introduced a networked home appliance system in late 2003. This 

platform is used to control networked home appliances using wireless control (via 

terminal or phone) and can also receive information services via the Internet. These 

services include centralized control and monitoring of appliances such as operational 

status, maintenance issues, and energy conservation guidelines; watchdog alarming 

services to alert for intruders or unlocked doors; and transmission of useful information 

such as weather, news, etc. 

In December 2003, the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Equipment 

(CECED), an association of over 200 industrial companies in the appliance sector, 

launched an interoperability platform for European household appliances. The new 

platform, called CHAIN (CECED Home Appliance Interoperating Network), provides a 

means of integrating all household appliances to a virtual network by using their existing 

communications protocol (EHS/Konnex and LonWorks) and proprietary control systems 

[9]. The platform enables the control and automation of key services in a home such as 

remote control of appliance operation, energy or load management, remote diagnostics 

and automated maintenance support to appliances, and downloading and updating of 

data, programs, and services from the web. 

In the same year, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) published 

an American National Standards Institute/AHAM standard on Connected Home

Appliances-Object Modeling [10]. This standard described generic appliance models, 

 4 
objects, and high-level messages as a means to enable new appliance services and 

features through networking. The standard is written for appliances that contain a 

communications interface module linked to a home network system. Standardized 

elements of appliances are then accessible and can be controlled remotely by users, 

service providers, and other devices, independent of the underlying network. 

The overall trend is to form consortiums, teaming appliance manufacturers with 

technology companies to develop and promote products. In the case of enabling 

technologies, consortia include: Home Phone Network Alliance, Homeplug Power 

Alliance, Wi-Fi Alliance and the Internet Home Alliance. These are generally developed 

as non-profit associations of high-tech and consumer companies with the goal of breaking 

down barriers for market acceptance through education and coordinated product 

development. In addition, some companies are developing ways to combine existing 

technologies for new networking capabilities. One home control network protocol 

introduced in 2004 is based on a combination of RF and Powerline communication 

technologies. 

Innovative Applications and Industry Trends 

Industry and consumer organizations have increased consumer awareness of 

multifunction, ‘smart’ appliances enhanced with innovative sensors and communication 

technologies and have highlighted their potential to increase functionality and optimize 

energy use. Similar efforts should be made to educate consumers on the benefits of 

environmentally friendly designs that facilitate maintenance, disassembly and recycling. 

The appliance industry has a wealth of innovative ideas, yet market barriers have kept 

many products at the prototype or concept stage. Several major companies invested in 

the development of innovative appliances that could offer added functionality using home

networking and/or Internet access; however, both internationally and in the United States, 

the market penetration of networked appliances has been relatively small. In fact, the 

most successful products are not marketed as web-appliances for fear that consumers 

might be alienated. In contrast, the market penetration of appliances with improved 

sensor technology has increased steadily. The following sections will introduce recent 

product developments for some energy-intensive “covered” products. 

Refrigerators, Freezers, and Wine Chillers 

Refrigerators are under constant development as manufacturers seek to find new features 

that could appeal to consumers, including home networking, advanced control logic, 

temperature control and component improvements. 

In 1999, a major manufacturer developed a prototype Internet refrigerator that was used 

in field tests; however, six years later, the appliance remains a prototype. In 2001, a 

similar product, a prototype web-enabled refrigerator, was introduced. Because the 

consumer demand was not high, versions of this prototype remain in the development and 

demonstration phase with an on-going field test in 20 homes. In 2003, another 

manufacturer debuted its version of the Internet enabled refrigerator. In the following

year, yet another manufacturer introduced its digital multimedia refrigerator, a product

 5 
that provides a fixed Internet connection for entertainment, access to cooking 

information, memory storage, and maintenance alerting capabilities. This technology 

primarily provides added convenience and functionality but it does not exhibit a 

significant energy savings potential. Indirectly there are potential energy savings when 

the technology alerts the consumer or a service company of operational faults that could 

otherwise result in increased energy use if undetected. 

The two most significant energy-saving innovations for refrigerators are: 1) the 

development of a more efficient defrost algorithm by Manufacturer A in 2002 and 2) the 

development of improved compressor technology that was first introduced in a residential 

refrigerator in 2004 by Manufacturer B. Manufacturer A’s defrost algorithm, a long-time 

automatic defrost, improved on previous approaches by modifying the start/stop of the 

defrost cycle relative to the compressor cycle and resulted in the need for a change to the 

DOE test procedure [10]. The original practice was to go straight from compressor 

cooling to defrost heating. However, allowing the coils to reach the refrigerator

temperature before starting the defrost heater enables the efficient use of the thermal 

mass of the refrigerator to ‘pre-heat’ the coils at no cost. Similarly, waiting to start the

compressor after the defrost heater turns off allows the coils to cool down to the 

refrigerator temperature. Reducing the duration of defrost cycles resulted in up to 75 % 

energy savings. Manufacturers now commonly use this approach, a clear energy saver. 

The second development, by Manufacturer B, uses linear compressors to provide more 

energy-efficient cooling. Instead of the typical reciprocating compressor found in most 

refrigerators, the new compressor design eliminates the need to change the rotary motion 

into a reciprocating motion, which reduces the compressor’s energy loss and improves 

the motor-efficiency system. When tested in a refrigerator, Manufacturer B reported a 

47 % reduction in energy consumption. 

Other recent advances are aimed at improving the temperature control for specific levels 

or compartments. Improved control algorithms can also improve energy efficiency. One 

manufacturer introduced a control system, which uses variable speed fans and 

temperature sensor information to deliver the appropriate amount of cool air to different 

locations. This approach has also been introduced in high-end wine storage systems to 

provide multi-zone cooling capabilities. These high-end, niche products are just

beginning to have broader appeal. 

Laundry Machines 

Advances in sensor technology have had a significant impact on wash efficiency, 

improving cleaning performance while reducing energy and water consumption. New 

products take advantage of fabric sensing, load sensing, and fill control capabilities in 

washers and moisture sensing in dryers. In addition, some clothes washers offer an onboard heater for improved cleaning performance and run at higher spin speeds for more

efficient water extraction. 

Manufacturers are providing consumers with improved cycle options for better cleaning 

performance and fabric care. This includes a larger array of wash cycles customized for 

specific fabrics (i.e., silk, cashmere, wool) as well as guides options for treating stains. 

 6 
One manufacturer developed a pre-treatment cycle that mixes water and detergent to 

create a concentrated cleaning lather to saturate the clothes in a spinning cycle before the 

normal wash cycle begins. Another product trend is the increased offering of horizontal 

axis machines. Horizontal axis machines inherently have dramatically lower water 

consumption and are often operated with much higher spin speeds, which result in a 

tremendous energy savings for both washing and drying. One drawback for consumers is 

that regardless of the load size, the drum size in horizontal models is smaller and 

therefore loading is more difficult than conventional, vertical axis machines. However, 

consumers are growing increasingly accepting of horizontal axis models after weighing

the advantages. 

Manufacturers have also worked to introduce networked clothes washers. In Europe, in 

1999, a high-tech clothes washer that integrated a wireless modem was introduced. At a 

retail price of $1200, more than double the price of conventional models, this innovative 

product was not well received. The manufacturer improved its approach the following 

year and introduced a version that uses a power-line modem to provide appliance 

information for networking at a price comparable to conventional models. In Japan, in 

2004, a manufacturer introduced a washing machine that communicates via Bluetooth 

with a computer within a 9.1 m (30 ft) radius to download clothing care instructions and 

will also tell a PC when it needs maintenance. Several U.S. companies have also made 

significant investments in developing internet-enabled/home networked washing 

machines, but these products have not yet entered the market. 

A different form of appliance networking has been introduced in the United States. One 

manufacturer provided a linked washer and dryer that communicate to synchronize 

drying times with washer run times, while another manufacturer developed a product that 

programs the dryer setting based on sensor measurements from the clothes washer. 

Other innovations address clothes dryers. In 2003, a novel concept for a combined 

appliance was introduced. The appliance is a drying cabinet mounted over a 

conventional tumble dryer. It has a secondary heating element and blower but operates 

using the same vent and power supply as the tumble dryer. This product is designed to 

improve drying of articles that cannot handle the tumble dry environment (i.e., sweaters, 

shoes). In the same year another manufacturer introduced a stand-alone unit designed for 

specialty drying. For conventional dryer models, a design change meant to reduce wear 

on clothing is increased drum size. This also has the potential to improve drying times 

due to better air circulation. 

Dishwashers 

Adaptive control dishwashers with soil-sensing capabilities have been on the market in 

the United States for nearly a decade. However, their market share has increased 

dramatically in recent years along with advances in control algorithms that incorporate 

new sensor capabilities. These machines have the potential for energy savings because 

the control algorithms are designed to shorten the wash cycle when the sensors indicate a 

low soil load. Although new models offer temperature control that would result in 

increased energy use, advances in the optimization of water use based on soil levels and 

 7 
load size could produce a net energy savings. In addition, water hardness sensors have 

been introduced to optimize the use of detergent. 

The other trend in manufacturer’s products is the development of large capacity 

dishwashers. Design advances including the development of a horizontal motor, 

improved wash-arm technology, and more efficient dish rack layouts have enabled 

manufacturers to increase the loading capacity of some dishwasher models. Although the 

exterior dimensions of dishwashers are unchanged, the internal tub size for many highend models has increased and loading flexibility has improved. Some models offer 

adjustable rack heights, three loading levels, and loading supports that can be moved out 

to accommodate larger items [12]. The result is that the super-capacity dishwashers can 

hold as many as 14 to 16 place settings, whereas conventional dishwashers hold 10 to 12 

place settings. These super-capacity dishwashers are readily available in the U.S. market. 

Water Heaters 

Although the use of smart controls in water heaters is relatively new and limited, the 

energy savings are significant and could be a major driving force for this technology. 

These innovations include the introduction of the industry’s first programmable electric 

water heater in 2000, which was estimated to cut electrical operating costs by 15 %. In 

2001, a smart water heater, with adaptive electronic controls, was introduced. It has a 

self-diagnosing control system that monitors the water heater’s critical functions and 

modulates the setpoint temperature based on consumption. The purpose of the setpoint 

optimization is to reduce standby losses; this product reportedly cuts standby losses by 

30 % over a standard water heater. Other advances for water heaters include improved 

insulation and improved corrosion resistance to extend product life. 

Ranges and Ovens 

Developments in ranges and ovens have focused on increasing the thermal output, 

providing additional burners to approximate commercial stoves, and adding convenience 

items such as warming drawers. In contrast, the most innovative product in this area is a 

refrigerated range, which augments a conventional range with refrigeration capabilities. 

This combination product is marketed for its convenience since it can be preprogrammed 

for a cooling period followed by a cooking period. All of these features represent 

convenience at a net increase in energy consumption. 

Potential for Energy Savings Scenarios from Networked Home 

Appliances 

Energy savings are currently secondary to the convenience features that often drive 

consumer purchases; however, as consumers become more aware of increasing energy

costs, the long-term savings will play a larger role. 

In the case of home networking, the network of appliances can be linked to an Internet 

port. The use of system sensors combined with direct access to the information enables 

remote monitoring of the system status, remote control of appliances, and thus provides 

increased security (i.e., knowing for certain that an appliance was not left on). Some

scenarios for energy savings include remote setpoint adjustment for water heater 

 8 
temperatures (i.e., for vacation mode) and Internet access to relevant product use 

information. 

The key to energy savings is time of use. As utilities offer greater incentives to shed peak 

loads (i.e., reduced rates for off-peak use), households could take advantage by remotely 

operating their appliances and shifting loads to off-peak hours. Certain appliances such 

as dishwashers and water heaters can be programmed to run in off-peak hours and the 

energy savings is evident to the consumer. In addition, weather forecasting data could be 

used as a valuable input to the decision process in an internet-enabled thermostat. By 

taking into account near-term weather changes in conjunction with peak utility rates, the 

thermostat setpoint could be optimized rather than running on a preset time of day 

schedule. 

Other potential savings arise from the capability of receiving information about necessary 

maintenance actions or required repairs if a fault has been detected. With the increasing 

use of sensors, a networked appliance can share operational information with a central 

‘brain’. Fault detection algorithms can be used to determine if maintenance is needed. 

This can be particularly useful for appliances that are energy-intensive. Appliances can 

experience degradation in energy efficiency long before a consumer detects a drop in 

performance. For example, if a refrigerator coil is fouled, the cooling capacity of the coil 

is reduced and hence, in order to maintain the internal setpoint temperature, the 

compressor run times would be increased. At the extreme, the refrigerator would not be 

able to meet the internal setpoint temperature. Similarly, if system temperatures are 

indicative of a refrigerant leak, the owner or a service company could be contacted. 

Summary and Recommendations 

This report presents the results of an FY2005 scoping study to explore the potential 

energy savings from smart appliances. 

Home networking is an enabling technology that has been under development for several 

years internationally, and more recently in the United States. Industry has formed various 

consortia to promote the development of standard protocols for specific communications 

technologies, including the Homeplug Power Alliance, Home Phone Network Alliance 

Wi-Fi Alliance for powerline, phoneline, and wireless communications technologies, 

respectively. This collaborative work complements individual product development. 

Internationally, home networking standards have already been developed and industry is 

working to develop their product lines to incorporate new functionality. In the United

States there is also a standard on connected home appliances, but industry is just 

beginning to introduce smart platforms and home networked products; consumer demand 

is still low. 

The main technological innovations for residential appliances are aimed at: the efficient 

use of sensors, Internet enabling, and the development of more environmentally friendly 

designs. For individual appliances, the thrust is different based on consumer demands. 

The appliance industry is also taking a proactive role in helping to educate consumers on 

 9 
the benefits of the various technologies. Many of the products described in this paper are 

in prototype stage or have recently been introduced to the consumer market. 

For refrigerators, Internet enabling has generated little consumer acceptance. Improved 

temperature control for compartments may improve the efficient use of cooling, but the 

most significant energy-saving improvements come from the creation of a more efficient 

defrost algorithm and the introduction of linear compressor technology for a 47 % 

reduction in energy use. 

For laundry machines and dishwashers, the energy-saving innovations are linked to 

improved use of sensors for fabric sensing, load sensing, fill control, and moisture 

sensing in dryers. This allows for cycle optimization and reduces the occurrence of overwashing or over-drying. For clothes washers, appliance networking appears to be 

successful on a small scale (e.g., linking clothes washer to clothes dryer so that embedded 

logic can select the proper cycle). Another trend, though not a new technology, is the 

increased production of horizontal axis machines for the U.S. market. Consumers are 

weighing tradeoffs between loading convenience and energy efficiency and more and 

more are choosing horizontal axis machines for their energy efficiency. 

For water heaters, the use of smart controls is promising. It is estimated that the electrical 

energy operating costs can be reduced by 15 % through the use of programmable 

thermostats and that standby losses can be reduced by 30 % through the use of setpoint 

optimization. 

In contrast, innovative products for ovens and ranges offer convenience improvements at 

a net energy increase. These include 5-burner and 6-burner models with increased 

thermal output, warming compartments, and in one case, refrigeration capabilities in 

addition to programmable oven start and stop times. 

Home Networking has the potential to reduce energy consumption in addition to 

providing added functionality and convenience. The key advantages are summarized 

below: 

 Time of Use- the ability to control when the appliance cycle is run, either preset 

or operated remotely for convenience and access to off-peak utility rates where 

available 

 Maintenance Alerts-the capability of receiving information about necessary 

maintenance actions or required repairs if a fault has been detected 

 Internet Access- to relevant product use information 

One area of research that is not well publicized is the development of environmentally 

friendly technologies (i.e., design of easily recyclable components). Because 

manufacturers are constantly looking to improve the functionality of their products and to 

address changing consumer demands and the appliance industry is finding new and 

cheaper ways to manufacture appliances, many consumers do not wait until their 

appliances fail before replacing them. The marriage of information technology and 

appliance technology has great potential to entice consumers, but, as noted in the 

 10 
 11 

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

computer industry, the time to perceived obsolescence is often reduced. The result is an 

increase in production energy and disposal energy. In addition, maintenance issues may 

increase; therefore, appliances need to be designed for ease of maintenance, disassembly 

and recycling. 

References 

Energy Information Administration, “2001 Residential Energy Consumption 

Survey: Household Energy Consumption and Expenditure Tables” 

Energy Policy and Conservation Act, Public Law 94-163, December 1975 

Energy Policy and Conservation Act, Public Law 95-619, November 1978 

www.homeplug.org 

http://www.standards.ieee.org 

 “Networking Consumer Devices,” Hometoys Article, December 2001, 

Http://www.hometoys.com 

http://www.jeita.or.jp/english/public_standard/ 

Echonet Specification, Version 2.1.1, Echonet Consortium, 2002, 

http://www.echonet.gr.jp/english/1_echo/index.htm 

http://www.ceced.org/sites/ceced.org/community/files/259/phpB0ifok/CHAINPR

1Eng.pdf 

AHAM CHA-1-2002, “Connected Home Appliances- Object Modeling,” 

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers 

http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2003/March/Day-07/i5404.htm 

“Dishwashers, Power at a Price,” Consumer Reports, March 2005