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. • '- .r.,-

DRAFT REPORT ON 

CONSUMER RESEARCH 

FOR CLOTHES WASHERS 

March 1998 

LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY 

Environmental Energy Technologies Division 

. Technology and Market Assessment Group 

Berkeley, CA 94720 

Prepared for 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

Office of Codes and Standards 
.. 

' ' 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................. : .................. 2 

CONSUMER RESEARCH SUMMARY .......................................... 4 

1. 0 INTRODUCTION ...................... '. ........................ · ... 4 

2.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION ............................. -......... 4 

3. O SOURCES ~d PROJECTS .................... · ....................... 5 

3.1 Major Studies by Consortiums ........ : .......................... 5 

3:1.1 THELMA ........................................... 5 

3.1.2 Bern, Karisas Washer Study ...... : ...................... 9 

3. l.3 WashWise .................. ~ ......................... 10 

3 .2 Utility Demand Side Mangement I Market Transformation Programs . . . . . 12 

3.2.1 Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEEP) ........... 12 

3. 2. 2 Cleaner Northwest Project . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·. . . . 12 . 

3.2.3 Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) - Utility Survey ..... : ...... 13 

3. 5. 4 Commonwealth Electric . . . . . . . ·. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · . 13 

3. 3 Organizations . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

3.3.1 Consort~um for Energy Efficiency (CEE) ................... 13 

3.3.2 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) .................. 15 

3.3.3 Green Seal ............... '. ......................... 16 

3 .4 Government Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

3 A. I Energy Star Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

3.4.2 Commercial Laundry Field Study ........................ 18 

3.4.3 McDill Air Force Base ................................ 18 

3. 4. 4 Fort Hood Demonstration Study . . . . . . · . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

3.4.5 Fort Hood Government Procurement, DOD ............. '. .. 19 

3. 4. 6 . FEMP Federal Energy Management ·Program ............... 20 

3.4.7 Washington State University Energy Cooperative ............ 20 

3.5 Consumer Publications : ...................................... 21 

3.5.1 Consumer Reports I Consumers Union ..................... 21 

3.5.2 Consumer -New Zealand publication .................... 21 

2 
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3.6 Trade Organizations .......... · ............................... 21 

1 · 3.6.1 The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) ............... ·. 21 

3.6.2 Arthur D. Little (ADL) Report on the behalf of AHAM, 1991 ... 22 

3.6.3 Research Institute for Cleaning, Technology ....... · .......... 22 

3. 7 University Research .......................................... 23 

· 3. 7.1 Peter DuPont ........................................ 23 

3. 8 Utilities - Rebates .......................................... 23 

3.8.1 Alameda County Water District .......................... 23 

3.8.2 City of Austin Municipal Utility ..................... · ..... 23 

3.8.3 Commonwealth Electric . · ..... ." ................... · ..... 24 

3.8.4 Eugene Water and Electric Board ........................ 24 

3.8.5 Marin Water District ....... · .. · ......................... 24 

3.8.6 San Diego County Water Authority ............. · ........... 24 

3.8.7 San Diego Gas and Electric ..................... , ........ 24 

3.8.8 Salem Electric Corporation ............................. 25 

3.8.9 Seattle Water .................... : .................. 25 

3. 9 . Additional Publications ....................................... 25 

3 .10 Related Studies ............................................ 26 · · 

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CONSUMER RESEARCH SUMMARY 

1.0 Introduction - Presentation of Consumer Research 

This report is a summary of consumer research on clothes washers. 

2.0 Sources of Information 

Listed below are sources of information regarding consumer issues. Some programs ~re applicable 

to more than one general heading. 

Major Studies by Consortiums 

The High Efficiency Laundry Metering & Marketing Analysis (THELMA) 

Bern, Kansas I Maytag demonstration project 

Wash Wise - Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NWEEA) 

Utility Demand Side Management (DSM) I Market Transformation Programs 

Northeast Energy Efficiency Prograrp. (NEEEP) 

Cleaner Northwest Project 

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG& E, California) 

Commonwealth Electric 

Organizations , 

. Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) - promoting utility programs 

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) 

Green Seal· 

Governmf!n/ Programs 

Energy Star Appliance Programs (DOE, EPA) 

Commercial Laundry Field Study, ORNL 

McDill Air Fo'rce Base, DOD 

Fort Hood Demonstration Study, DOD 

Fort Hood Government Procurement, DOD 

Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) (government procurement) 

Pacific.Northwest National Laboratory I Energy Star 

Washington State University Energy Cooperative 

·4 

I . 
... 

Consumer Publications 

·Consumer Reports 

Foreign Consumer publications 

Trade O;ganizations 

Soap & Detergent Association 

American Home Appliance Association (AHAM) 

Research Institute for Cleaning Technc:>logy 

University Research 

Utility Rebate Programs 

3.0 SOURCES and PROJECTS 

3.1 Major Studies by Consortiums 

DRAFT 

3.1.1 THELMA (The High-Efficiency Laundry Metering & Marketing Analysis Project) 

Sponsors: 

The High-Efficiency Laundry Metering & Marketing Analysis (THELMA) study is an Electric 

Power Research Institute Tailored Collaborative project sponsored by a consortium of 28 

electric, gas, water and sewer utilities, as well as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) · 

and the U.S. Department of Energy. The project is being coordinated through EPRI. 

Contractors: 

Hagler Bailly Consulting Inc., Phone: (608) 232-2800 

Dethman & Associates, Phone: (206) 545-0717 

SBW Consulting, Inc., Phone: (206) 827-0330 

National Center for Appropriate Technology, Phone: 

Arther D. Little, Phone: (617) 498-5000 

Objectives: 

(206) 324-8064 

The broad goals of THELMA are to acquire the iilform~tion necessary for leveraging a lasting 

markef transformation to efficient clothes washers and to design effective incentive programs 

and other promotional tools for simulating the purchase of efficient washers. Findings of the 

THELMA project will be published in an eight volume set. The THELMA project consists 

of eight reports. Five were made available to LBNL including an updated laboratory testing 

report. 

5 
DRAFT 

Specific objectives include: 

• Characterize status ofH-axis technology. 

• Confirm savings· estimates. 

• Assess customer laundering habits. 

• Identify market barriers. 

• Suggest strategies for utility actions. 

Summary: 

Research components of the THELMA study include laboratory testing, in-home monitoring 

of V~axis and H-axis washers, and several market-related studies. This report presents an 

assessment of the energy and water savings that can be achieved with H-axis washers based 

upon the results of the in-home monitoring research. Laboratory testing can provide savings 

estimates but must make assumptions about peoples' laundry practices. In-hc;>me monitoring 

can provide estimates under more realistic and diverse conditions. ., 

Types of Research: 

• Consumer studies 

• Laboratory test 

• Field study 

• Demonstration center 

• · Manufa9turer/Distributor survey - Distribution Analysis 

IndiVidual THELMA reports, organized by tasks, are discussed below. 

3.1.1.1 THELMA Task 2.1 Final Report 

Title:, Results of Focus Groups with Consumers 

Date: June 1995 

Report leader: Dethman & Associates 

Objectives: 

• Qualitatively assess the current market for H-axis washers. 

• Identify and explore the educational needs of consumers. 

• Inform other THELMA research components. 

Type· of Research: 

Focus Groups with Consumers. 

Sample size: Four focus groups of 10 people each. 

Date: February 6-9, 1995. 

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'. 

Topics covered included: 

.. satisfaction with current washer 

.. reactions to H-axis washer 

.. interest in buying _a H-axis washer 

.. consumer descriptions ofH-axis washers 

3.1.1.2 THELMA, Final Report 

Title: Laboratory Testing of Clothes Washers, Final Report 

Date: December 1995 

Contractor: Arthur D. Little, Inc. (ADL) 

Principle investigators: J Dieckmann, W. Murphy 

Prepared for EPRI 

.DRAFT 

Project Managers: R. Gillman, J. Kesselring ; Customer Systems Group 

Objective: 

Testing measured water and energy consumptions as well as: water extraction effectiveness, 

soil removal effectiveness, rinsing effectiveness, gentleness of action. [see section 3 .1 .. 1. 5, for 

updated report] 

Type of Research: 

Laboratory energy and performance testing. 

Number of clothes washers tested: six H-axis. and one Y-axis washers. 

3.1.1.3 THELMA Task 2.3 Draft 

Title: Laundry Demonstration Center \ 

Date: April 1996 . 

Report leader: Dethman & Associates 

Objectives: 

The Demonstration Center's purpose was to introduce potential H-axis consumers to two 

types ofH-axiswashers, and to collect their reactions to an9 insights about these washers. 

The primary objectives of the Demonstration Center were to assess respondents·: 

.. Awareness and initial impressions ofH-axis washers. 

.. Preferences for top-loading vs. front-loading H-axis washers. 

.. Reactions to trying out an H-axis·washers when they conducted a "test wash." 

.. Likelihood of buying an H-axis washer. 

.. Questions about" H-axis washers and reactions to H-axis utility program ideas. 

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Type of Research: 

Survey of participants after demonstrating washers. 

Sample size:. one hundred in-depth interviews were conducted. 

Time period of surveys: November 7, 1995 to February 21, 1996. 

3.1.1.4 THELMA Task 4 Draft 

Title: Impact Analysis 

Date: October 1996 

DRAFT 

Report leader: SBW Consulting, Inc. (for EPRI Retail Market Tools and Services) 

Objective: 

To assess energy and water savings in an "in-home" environment as compared to a laboratory 

setting. 

Types of Research: 

~ Sample size: monitored 50 homes: 

~ Two types ofH-axis washers were used. 

~ Time frame: 

Phase I (existing washer monitored) Sept 1995 - Dec. 1995, 

Phase II (H-axis washer monitored) May 1996 - Aug. 1996. 

~ Existing washer and dryer were monitored for a 6-week period. 

~· AH-axis washer was then substituted for the Y-axis washer, and.the H-axis washer 

and dryer were then monitored for a 7-week period. 

3.1.1.5 THELMA, Final Report 

Title: Laboratory Testing of Clothes Washers, Final Report 

Date: April 17, 1997 

Contractor: Arthur D:Little, Inc. (ADL) 

Principle investigators: J Dieckmann:, DetlefWestphalen 

Prepared for 'EPRI 

Objective: . 

To do additional testing on H-axis washers not available· at the time of the previous laboratory 

testing. 

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Type of Research: 

Laboratory testing of washer to determine (for 8 washers): 

... DOE washer capacity · .. 

... Hot and cold watecconsumption 

... Energy consumption by the washer mechanical drive 

... DOE energy factor 

... Water extraction effectiveness 

... Effect of water extraction effectiveness on dryer energy 

... Soil removal effectiveness 

... Rinsing effectiveness 

... Gentleness of action 

3.1.2 Bern Clothes Washer Study, Draft Final Report (January 1998) 

Sponsors: Department of Energy, Maytag 

Contractor: Oakridge National Laboratory 

Contacts: 

DRAFT 

... Jon Tomlinson~ Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Phone: (423) 574-0291 

... D'.T. Rizy, Oakridge National Laboratory 

... Linda Eggerss, Maytag, Phone: (515) 791-8518 

Objectives: 

... To evaluate the energy and water savings of high-efficiency,. H-axis washers in a community 

which has been converted to the new design . 

.,. To demonstrate the findings and to develop information helpful to utilities (energy and water) 

and others with an eye towards moving the current clothes washer market to higher efficiency 

· options. 

Summary:· 

H-axis washers were installed in 105 homes in Ben\ Kansas. Monitoring took place first with 

the existing vertical axis washing machines and in phase II with the Maytag Neptune H-axis 

washer. · 

Type of Research: 

... Demonstration/monitor & metering study. 

... Interviews and questionnaires were used to determ.ine the users satisfaction with the washer. 

... Sample size: 105 homes in Bern, Kansas. · 

... Duration: monitoring took place between June, 1997 and September 1997. 

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DRAFT 

Data collected on: ... impacts of load size 

... water consumption 

... energy consumption 

... detergent us·e and consumption 

... impacts on other additives 

... impacts on laundry habits 

... impacts on machine settings 

... cleaning performance . 

... impacts on load dampness 

... impacts on drying habits 

... municipal utility impacts 

3.1.3 WashWise 

I . . . 

Draft Report: Coming Clean About Resource-Efficient Clothes.Washers: An Initial WashWise 

Program and Market Progress Report 

Date: November 7, 1997 

Commissioned by: . 

• Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NWEEA); comprised primarily of electric utilities in 

the Pacific Northwest. 

Contractors: 

• Portland Energy Conservation Inc. (PECI) 

• Gilmore Research 

• Pacific En,ergy Associates (PEA) 

Contacts: 

• Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance 

Gabriel Foulkes, Phone: (5_93) 827-8416 x225 

Ben B'ronfman, Phone: (503) 827-8416 x226 

• Portland Energy Conservation Inc. (PECI) 

• Pacific Energy Associates (PEA) 

DavidHewitt, Phone: (360) 571-0497 

Gary Smith, Phone: (503) 590-4609 

· • Gilmore Research Group 

Denise Bauman, Phone: (503) 236-4551 

• Oregon Department of Energy 

·Charlie Stevens, Phone: (503) 229-5625 

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DRAFT 

Objectives: 

• To dramatically increase the market share ofresource-efficient clothes washers (RECWs) in 

the program area over the next three years. 

• To influence the development and support of maximum energy and water efficiency levels for 

reviseq Federal clothes washer standards. 

Type of Research: 

• This project includes: 

• a telephone survey of 419 participants/purcha.Sers of RECW s as part of the Wash Wise 

rebate program (a rebate program funded by utilities) 

• an intercept survey of 42 consumers shopping for laundry equipment 

• a telephone survey of 205 appliance retailers 

• . a telephone survey of qualified representatives of nine major appliance manufacturer 

and .importers of European products 

Summary: 

• Gilmore Research conducted the following surveys: 

• Participant Survey - Those who participat~d in the rebate program and bought a 

H-axis clothes washer. Consumers got a $130 instant rebate and dealers got a $20 

rebate from the sponsoring utility. 

• Intercept Surveys - what people thought of H-axis washers before they became 

participants and before they used the H-axis washers. 

• Retailer S,urvey (dealers) - how many they think they could sell. 

• Manufacturer Survey-· predicted future H-axis sales. 

• Pacific Energy Associates evaluated the program and discussed key findings in the report: 

Coming Clean About Resource-Efficient Clothes Washers: An Initial Wash Wise Program 

and Market Progress Report.- Draft, November 7, 1997 

This report includes analysis of: 

• reasons for purchasing a RECW; 

• satisfaction with Wash Wise program; 

• product pricing and RECW cost barrier; 

• manufacturer's perception of the RECW market; 

• opportunities for increasing RECW sales. 

Future Work: 

Follow-up participant, consumer awareness/acceptance, appliance dealer, and manufacturers 

su~eys will be conducted in the Spring of 1998. .· 

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DRAFT 

3.2 Utility Demand Side Management I Market Transformation Programs 

3.2.1 Northeast En~rgy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) 

Contact: Bruce Wall, Phone: (860) 620-0076 

Objective: . 

The market for high efficiency clothes washers will be evaluated. High efficiency clothes 

washers will be promoted. 

Summary: 

• A consortium of utilities. 

• Program will officially start on April 21, 1998, although some members of the partnership 

have already begun the program (e.g., Con-Electric). 

• Currently there are 18-20 participating utilities and retailers covering 5 .4 million customers 

in all of New England, excluding Maine, and including Long Island Lighting. 

• New Jersey is expected to join in 1999. New Jersey's 1998 program will include only new 

construction. 

• Any washer meeting Energy Star performance levels is eligible; currently this means 

horizontal axis washers. · · 

• Could characterize as a market pull program; some. participants will have incentives, also 

c<;msumer education will be done, point of sales marketing promotions/education. 

• Baseline market research will include: su.rvey.s, focus groups, interviews with retailers, 

intercept interviews with consumers leaving the store. ( will follow up with repeat interviews 

of the sa~e people i2 months later, who bought or didn't buy l:t horizontal-axis washer) 

• Some participants will have incentives to purchase efficient washers. 

• Sub-contq1ctor: RL W Analytics has started work. 

3.2.2 Cleaner Northwest Project 

Summary: 

This group includes Bonneville Power, Seattle Water, Seattle City Light, and Puget Power 

in the Seattle area and Pacific Gas & Electric in San Francisco. The emphasis of this project 

is primarily consumer education on H-axis technology. 

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DRAFT 

3.2.3 Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) - Utility Survey 

Contact: Ted Pope, Phone: (415) 973-4856 

Summary: _ 

... PG&E had a customer program where they gave rebates to consumers who bought energy 

efficient washers. ($75-$175 rebates). · 

... Currently all e'Iigible machines are H-axis .. 

... In addition, water utilities also provided rebates up to $75. 

... Rebate program participants (643) responded to an 11 question survey. 

... Survey questions focused on participants satisfaction with their purchased H-axis machines. 

3.2.4 Commonwealth Electric-Utility Survey 

Contact: Dick Moran, Phone: (508) 291-0950 x 3548 

Summary: 

• Surveyed 1 7? participants in the clothes washer rebate program. 

• Questions relevant to this study include: 

... Would you have purchased this washer without a rebate? 

... Rate your washer (in comparison to old washer) in terms of ease of use, appearance, 

tjme to wash, and quality of wash). 

... Have you had any problems? 

3.3 Organizations 

3.3.1 Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) 

Contact: Chfistine Egan, Product Manager, Phone: (617) 589-3949 x207 

Source of information: CEE Newsletter, August & September 1997 

Background: 

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a non-profit organization which works with 

manufacturers and utilities to promote high-efficiency products. One of CEE's major 

initiatives has been its high-efficiency washing machine program. Products which meet CEE 

standards are eligible for significant rebates from electric utilities involvt::d in the. CEE 

initiative, notably California's Pacific Gas & Electric. 

13 

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DRAFT 

CEE has developed a scale for rating the energy efficiency; water use efficiency and remaining 

moisture content level for clothes washers. Participating members can use these efficiency 

levels in .rebate or other incentive based programs. CEE also mails out newsletters keeping 

members abreast of current devdopments in high-efficiency clothes washer activities. 

Over the past four years, the CEE staff has gathered and disseminated technological and 

market information about high-efficiency clothes washers. They are now expanding-this role 

to include detailed information on existing washer p.rograms and sample products (e.g., point 

of purchase materials, advertisements, press kits, etc.). CEE will act as a clearinghouse on 

washer programs and materials. 

As of August 1997, utili.ties serving roughly 15% of U.S. households are participating in the 

CEE Clothes Washer Initiative. In 1998, they expect that number will increase to 18 percent. 

Participants in the CEE clothes washer initiative: 

• Citizens Utilities in Vermont - rebates 

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power- considering programs for 1998 . 

• San Diego Gas and Electric - considering programs for 1998 

• Pacific Gas & Electric - rebates, surveys 

• Wash Wise in Northeast (see description elsewhere in report) - rebates 

• Southern California Gas · . 

• Commonwealth Electric · 

• Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) - emphasizing marketing and customer 

education in 1998; rebates are also under consideration. 

Likely NEEP participants are: 

New England Electric System 

Northeast utilities 

Boston Edison 

Eastern Utility Associates 

Commonwealth Electric 

~ Commonwealth Electric, in addition to their participation in NEEP, will go forward 

with a rebate program, demonstrations, customer education through teacher 

workshops, brochures, and news letters. 

Green Mountain Power 

Central Vermont Power Service 

Bay State Gas 

Boston Gas 

Colonial Gas 

Commonwealth Gas 

14 
DRAFT 

Consider~ngfuture participation in CEE initiative: 

• Public ServiCe Electric and Gas 

• Atlantic Electric 

California participants: 

• Sacramento Municipal Utility District - rebates, education and promotion efforts through 

Energy Star Appliance Initiative 

• San Diego Gas & Electric - education and promotion through Energy Star Appliance 

Initiative 

• San Diego Water Authority - rebates 

• Souther California Gas - initiated a pilot program to work with manufacturers to develop 

customized high efficiency clothes washers programs. 

• City ofMilbrae - rebates 

Northwest participants: . 

• Wash Wise -· rebates and other (see elsewhere in report) 

• State of Oregon - ~ax credit 

• Eugene Water and Electric Board - rebate 

• Salem electric - rebate 

• City of Ashland - rebate . 

• Northwest Natural Gas & Portland Water Bureau- mobile demonstration of high efficiency 

washers (two horizontal axis machines) 

• McMinnville Water & Light -. ·rebate 

Midwest Participr;znts: . 

• Interstate Power (Iowa) - rebate for horizontal-axis machines 

• Wisconsin Public Service - promotional programs, utility financing programs 

The Rocky Mountain States Participants: 

• City of Boulder, CO I)ept. Of public Works/Utilities - rebates 

3.3.2 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) 

Report: Marketing Strategies for Horizontal Axis Washers, How Utilities Can Engage the 

Horizontal Axis Washer Market, EPRI TR-107612, 4953-03 Final Report, · 

December 1996 ' · 

Contact: John Kesselring, Residential Technologies & Services, Phone: ( 415) 855-2902 

15 
DRAFT 

Commissioned by: 

EPRl- Retail Market Tools & Services Directory 

Contractor: 

Dove Associates, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 

Summary: 

A report was commissioned by EPRI to aid utilities in evaluating how they can engage the 

H-ax.is washer market. Strategic and tactical advice is given on how to increase the market 

for H-ax.is washers .. Information from The High-Efficiency Laundry Metering/Marketing 

Analysis (THELMA) was used in the EPRI report.. · 

The EPRI report has general demographics US area charts for family size, income level and 

education level as well as fuel and water prices. The purpose is to target marketing to gro_ups 

most likely to be interested in a H-axis washer. 

3.3.3 Green Seal 

Source of information: Green Seal web site on 05/21/96, [http://www.greenseal.org] · 

Summary: 

Products meeting certain environmental standards receive authorization to ~se the Green Seal 

Certification Mark. For clothes washers this includes minimum requirements for energy use, and 

water use, and residual moisture content. To meet class "A" certification level the criteria below 

must .be met. 

.. Energy Factor must be greater than 1. 5 ft3 /(kWh/cycle) 

.. Water use must be no greater than 11. 0 gal./ft3 /cycle . 

"' Residual moisture content (RMC) must be no greater than 50% 

3.4 Government Projects 

3.4.1 Energy Star Program 

Contacts: 

Bill Noel - Partnerships manager, DOE, Phone (202) 586-6149 

Lee Bodner-Program manager; D&R International, Phone: (301) 588-9387 

Mary Myers -D&R International, Phone: (301) 588-9387 . 

Jamie Treworgy- D&R International, Phone: (301) 588-9387 

Marc Lafrance - DOE, Phone: (202) 586-8423 

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DRAFT 

Background: 

Energy_Star is a joint project of the μ.s. Department ofEnergy_(DOE) and the Environmental· 

Protection Agency (EPA). This collaboration concentrates on educating consumers about 

the benefits of highly energy efficient home. appliances, consumer electronics, office 

· -equipment and building materials. 

Programs: . 

• Demonstrating new Technologies in "real world" settings 

Example: .Bern, Kansas /Maytag Washer study 

• Volume Purchases 

Large institutional buyers, such as housing authorities, are organized to pool their. 

resources. 

• Energy Star Appliance Program (formerly the Retailer Initiative) 

A retailer initiative pilot program to promote high efficiency washers. The DOE will 

place "Energy Star" labels on efficient washers to help consumers differentiate them 

from other machines; making it easier for consumers to recognize efficient 

appliances. A list of energy efficient clothes washers is listed at the energy star web 

site: http://www.energystar.gov. 

• Financing Programs 

The DOE is also working on financing programs with Fannie Mae, and working with 

utilities and retailers to determine the best ways to communicate efficiency benefits 

to consumers. 

• Energy Star Manufactured Homes Program 

DOE, Washington State University, and the Idaho Department of Water Resources 

are working with regional manufacturers to include high efficiency residential 

appliance, including clothes washers, in manufactured homes. 

Energy Star Participants reported August 97: 

• SMUD 

• Southern California Edison 

• SDG&E 

• Potomac Electric Power Co. 

• Wisconsin Electric Power Company 

• Wisconsin Public Service 

• Portland Energy Conservation Inc. 

17 
DRAFT 

3.4.2 Commercial Laundry Field Study 

Commissioned by: Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Maytag 

Contractor: Jon Tomlinson, ORNL, Phone: (423) 574-0291 

Sub-contractor: Ayres Associates 

Summary: 

• Conducted in Tampa, Florida apartment complex with 100 units. 

• 10 washers (residential size V- axis ) changed to Maytag horizontal axi~ washers. 

• 'Measured energy and water use. 

• Phase I machines: Y-axis. 

• Washers average 115 cycles per month 

• Main laundry room selected with 10 washers. 

3.4.3 McDill Air Force Base 

Commissioned by: Department of Defense 

Contact: Jon Tomlinson, ORNL, Phone: (423) 574-0291 

Objectives: 

• Improved awarenes~ of benefits. 

• Information dissemination to facility managers. 

• Information on load size. 

Summary: 

• Energy and waster use study in two apartment laundry rooms used by Army barracks. 

• Washers used: Y-axis large Speed Queen replaces by 5 Frigidaire, 1 Creda 

• Activities include: 

~ New, leased Y-axis machines made available 

~ H-axis machines contributed to project by manufacturers 

~ Technical evaluation 

~ Measure energy/water cor~sumption; measure.load size 

~ Customer impressions/habits 

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DRAFT 

3.4.4 Fort Hood Demo~stration Study (metering study) 

Commissioned by: Department ofDefense, Forces Command-Department of Army 

Contacts: 

• Greg Sullivan, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Phone: (509) 372-6212 . 

• Graham Parker, PNNL, Phone: (509) 375-3805 

Summary: · 

• Fort Hood -Texas (near Austin), Army Base. 

• Plan to monitor Staber, Frigidaire, Maytag, & Amana washers. 

• On-premise laundry for the barracks. 

• Each barrack has 6-15 machines. 

• Will monitor: hot & cold water and mechanical energy. 

• A 6 month project starting in December 1997. -

• Baseline washers are Ro.per r.esidential washers. 

• Will examine operation and maintenance expense (washers expected to be treated roughly). 

• Jan-May monitor H-axis washers. 

• Each machine does 6-7 turns a day. 

• On premise laundry machines (like commercial washers without a coin box). 

• Report early summer of 1998. 

Current Status (2-23-98): 

• Have monitored/metered Roper baseline washers for two months. 

• Are currently monitoring Staber washers and have one months worth of data. 

3.4.5 Fort Hood Government Procurement - Department of.Defense 

Commissioned by: Department of Defense, Department of Army 

Contact: Greg Sullivan, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) 

Summary: 

• Government procurement program. 

• Army bought approximately 1,200 Staber horizontal axis washing machines during the 

summer/fall of 1997. 

• Fort Hood will purchase instead of lease washing machines (as they have done in the.past). 

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DRAFT. 

3.4.6 FEMP Federal Energy Management Program 

Contacts: 

• Nmee McCain, Phone: (202) 484-0880 · 

• Jeff Harris, Phone: (202) 484-0880 

Source of information: FEMP web site: http://www.e~en.doe.gov/femp/procurement/begin.html 

-Summary_: . · 

The Federal Energy Management Program of the U.S. Department of Energy ~as produced 

a series of Product Recommendations to assist Federal procurement officials and other 

. purchasing decision makers in identifying products that meet or exceed the requirements of 

Executive Order 12902. These requirements direct Federal· agencies to purchase "best 

practice" energy-efficient, renewable, and water-conserving products whenever they meet an 

agency's specific performance requirements and are cost-effective. For energy-efficient 

products, The Executive Order identifies "best practice" as products in the upper 25 percent 

of energy effidency for all similar product~, or products that are at least I 0 percent more 

efficient than the minimum level that meets Federal standards. It is expected that clothes 

washers will be included in the residential appliances on the list targeted for best practice 

procurement. 

3.4.7 Washington State University Energy Cooperative (formerly Washington State Energy 

Office); Manufactured Housing Project 

Contact: 

Chuck Murray, Phone: (3'60) 956-2062 

Linda Sandahl, PNNL, Phone: (503) 417-7554 

Greg Sullivan, PNNL 

Sub-contractor: PNNL 

Objectives: 

• To sign on manufacturers to a program that offers high efficiency appliance packages 

(including clothes washers) and to combine them with a mortgage on a mobile home. 

• To analyze the interactive effects of energy savings with high efficiency appliance packages 

. and to measure the impact on the mobile home mortgage. 

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3.5 Consumer Publications 

' 

3.5.1 Consumer Reports I Consumers Union 

Contact: Mark Connelly, Division Head-Home Environmental Products, Phone: (914) 378-2325 

Source of information: July 1997 issue of Consumer Reports magazine 

Summary: 

• Rates clothes washers 

• Evaluates: noise, washability and features 

3.5.2 Consumer - New Zealand publication 

' 

Contact: Hamish Wilson, email: hamish@consumer.org 

Source of information: September 1997 issue of Consumer magazine. 

Summary: 

• Rates soil removal, ease of use, gentleness, noise. 

• Rates more H-axis washers than U.S. consumer publications. 

3.6 Trade Organizations 

3;6.1 The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) 

Contact: Janet Donohue, Phone: (212) 725-1262 

Background: ', 

The Soap and Detergent Association is a 139 member, national trade association, founded in 

1926. The Association represents the manufacturers of household, industrial and institutional 

cleaning products and those companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging to the 

industry. Over 90% of the cleaning products sold in the United States are made by SDA 

members. 

Summary: 

The Soap and Detergent Association made available (October 1996) a publication detailing 

· information on detergents and their use in horizontal axis machines. 

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. Discus.sed are: 

• excessive sudsing 

• formulating detergents for high-efficiency H-axis machines 

• water temperature 

• lower water volume 

• clothes-to-water ratio 

• powder detergents and laundry additives 

• load sizes 

• amount of detergent required 

• availability of high-efficiency dete.rgent 

3.6.2 Arthur D. Little (ADL) Report on the behalf of AHAM, 1991 

Report: Summary of Findings: U.S. ·Manufacturer and Consumer Impact Study of the ChangeOver to Horizontal Axis, Top Loading Washing Machines, ADL on behalf of AHAM, 

September 13, 1991 

. Objective: Consumer preference and product utility methodology ass~ssment. 

Summary: 

• Assessment of product utility and consumer preferences is based on a direct consumer survey. 

• · 300 participants in Denver and Indianapolis. 

• Environmentally sensitive and typical U.$. cities.· 

• Mall interviews. 

• Side-by-side, hands-on comparison of equivalent size, top loading vertical axis and H-axis 

washers. 

• Quantitative results based on a conjoint analysis of feature combinations. 

Features relating. to: adding clothing, loading .method, water use and detergent use were 

examined. 

. . . 

3.6.3 Research Institute for Cleaning Technology -. Hans-Gunter Bloch 

Contact: Hans-Gunter Hloch, Phone: 49 2151 770072 

Location: Krefeld, Germany 

Summary: 

• Publications on detergents and washing. 

• Submitted papers at 1997 International Appliance Technical Conference (IATC). 

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3. 7 University Research 

3.7.1 Peter DuPont- International Institute for.Energy Conservation (IIEC) 

.. Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, College of Urban Affairs and Public 

Policy, University of Delaware 

.,,. Doctoral Research Proposal: Develop models of consumer behavior and consumer 

preferences. . 

.. Determine how much energy policy affects the energy efficiency of purchased 

appliances (including energy labeling program). 

3.8 Utilities - Rebates 

The following utilities either had or currently have washer rebate programs. With the exception of 

Commonwealth Electric, none of the utilities have conducted any consumer surveys or studies 

regarding the horizontal axis clothes washer. 

3.8.1 Alameda County Water District- Northern California 

Contact: Thomas Niesar, Phone: (510) 659-1970 x220 

The rebate ($75/washer) program has had 273 rebate requests over the duration (2 months of 1996, 

1997) with . over 100 applicants coming through over the last month. They have no plans to conduct 

customer satisfaction surveys or studies. 

3.8.2 City of Austin Municipal Utility-Texas 

Contact: Tony Gregg, City of Austin Municipal Utility - Water Conservation Program, Phone: 

(512) 499-3557 

About 80 horizontal-axis machines are sold monthly in Austin to residential customers (as determined 

by a survey of retail stores done by tl:te City of Austin), and they estimate a target market of 1.,000 

customers for their pending rebate program. Savings based upon utility rates in Austin would yield 

the average residential customer $30 per year savings op the water bill, $9 per year in natural gas, and 

$41 in electricity. . 

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3.8.3 Commonwealth Electric 

Contact: Dick Moran, Phone: (508) 291-0950 x 3548 

The rebate program has been running since September 1997 with 200 rebates offered to date. 

. . 

3.8.4 Eugene Water and Electric Board 

Contact: Rqb Roy? Phone: (541) 484-2411 

Surveys are sent out on the washer rebate program to determine customer satisfaction with the utility 

services, not the appliance. This survey does not include questions about consumer satisfaction with 

the appliance. The sales show the progress of the program: 

3.8.5 Marin Water District 

Contact: James Fryer, Phone: (415) 924-4600 x351 

No specific surveys or studies have been conducted. 

3.8.6 San Diego County Water Authority - Residential Program 

Contact: Vicki Driver, Cheryl Munoz, Alexi Schneider, Phone: (619) 682-4151 

The (commercial H-axis washer) program started on N·ovember 17, 1997, and they have processed 

12 vouchers for $150 each. 

3.8. 7 San Diego Gas and Electric 

Contact: Marline Selifiy, Phone: (619) 654-1287 

There have been no consumer studies during the program. ·It was run for a short period of time with 

the focus of implementati_on and planning. 

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3.8.8 Salem Electric Corporation - Conservation Department 

Contact: JeffLewis, Phone: (503) 362-3601 

There have.bee~ no consumer surveys. The $60/washer rebate.program has· been going on for 2 

years, with 80% of the rebates attributed to Wash Wise - sales in the last six months. 

3.8.9 Seattle Water 

Contact: Suzan Hill, Phone: (206) 684-4150 

Their marketing plan based on THELMA results predicted they would see a 3% market share for 

these ·appliances, however, they are seeing early success with already a· 6% market share. While the· 

study predicted 870 rebates per year, they have seen 1100 rebates since June. Portland Energy . ' Conservation, Inc. is the consultant working for this four state program and part of their. work is the , 

evaluation. This includes a questionnaire to consumers and follow-up phone calls. 

3.9 Additional Publications 

• · (1994) "Water & Energy Efficient Clothes Washers," American Water Works Association, 

Conference Proceedings. · ' . 

• Wessel, J, M. Sanik, and S. Park, (1993) "Consumers' Perceptions of Top-Load Versus Front 

Load Washers," Proceedings 44th Annual IntematiOnal Appliance Technical Conference. 

• Retail Business- Market Surveys, "Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers." n452, Oct. 1995, 

· p. 61-82 (ISSN-0951) 

• Dealerscope Merchandising: Dixon, M. "Green Machines- Will front-loading clothes washers 

gain in popularity if consumers understand their environmental benefits?" V36, No. IO p66 

October 1994. 

) 

• Appliance Magazine, Clothes and Personal, Tina Gornick, November. 18, 1997, 

Clothes Encounters, Kimberly L. Lapat 

... Appliance Buyer's Guide --Horizontal-Axis (High Efficiency) Washers 

web site: http://appliance.com/iq/buy.guide.97.7.htm (recorded in November 1997) 

• George, KL. (1994). "Horizontal-Axis Clothes Washer.Market Poised for 

Expansion," ESOURCE TU-94-6. 

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• Pope, E. and M. Slaviri (1992). "Energy Efficient Horizontal Axis Washing Machines: 

Technology Assessment and Cost Effectiveness Evaluation." Washington State Energy 

Office. 

• Shepard, M. (1992) "Horizontal-axis washing machines offer large savings: New models 

entering North American market." E-Source inc. TM92-l 

• Nadel, S. (1993) "Using Utility DSM Programs to Spur the Development of More Efficient 

Appliances," (Paper describes utility programs that are designed to encourage manufacturers 

to develop and commercialize highly efficient refrigerators and clothes washers.) Presented 

at the International Appliance Technical Conference. 

• Business Communications Company, Industry Research and Technical Marketing Analysis: 

E-070: Energy-Saving Devices And Equipment: Residential And Commerical, Sandra Grant, 

Project Analyst. · · 

3.10 Related Studies 

• Brown and Whiting, "Consumer Attitudes to Energy Efficient Appliances." 

• Steding A., J. Morrison, P. Gleick, (1996)" Water Savings with Frigidaire 

Company's Alliance HA- Clothes Washer and Quantum Dishwasher in 3 

Western US Metropolitan Areas,~' Pacific Institute Working Paper, Pacific 

Institute Studies in Development, Environment, and Security, Oakland. 

• Suozzo, M, and S. Nadel (1996) "Many Market Transformation Initiatives 

Have Influenced Energy Efficiency Markets," August 1996. 

• Geller, Hand S. Nadel (1996) "Market Transformation Strategies to 

Promote E11d Use Efficiency." (11 case studies) 

• Geller, Hand S. Nadel (1996) "Market Transformation Programs: Past 

Resuits, Future Directions." 

26