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Get Uncle Sam Out of My Home Action Center Sources

SOURCES: 

Appliance: Gas Stoves

Natural gas is used by 187 million Americans—including usage of gas stoves. These appliance bans are unpopular with Americans, whether they are consumers or restaurateurs. A majority of Americans oppose banning gas stoves in kitchens—including Democrats (51% oppose), independents (58%), and Republicans (74%). According to the National Restaurant Association, 76% of restaurants—full and limited service—use gas-powered stoves. Despite this, the Department of Energy proposed new efficiency standards through their Cooking Products Rule that would phase out 50% of gas stove models on the market despite DOE itself claiming gas is “three times cheaper than electricity on a per unit energy basis.” Final rules would go into effect in January 2025. Read the rule.

Appliance: Refrigerators

The cost of new refrigerators will go up under the Biden Administration’s rule to phase out hydrofluorocarbons used in these appliances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims this will save consumers $4.5 billion and cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, these new standards would result in consumers paying $6.9 billion in upfront costs. Read the rule.

Appliance: Dishwashers

New standards, if adopted, will go into effect by 2027. The Institute for Energy Research said manufacturers would be forced to make dishwashers that use 3.2 gallons of water per cycle—down from the current limit of 5 gallons. Compliance costs would total $125.6 million. Read the rule.

Appliance: Microwave Ovens

Your microwave oven isn’t safe from DOE regulations. Although DOE claims consumer benefits will range from “$0.15 billion (at a 7-percent discount rate) to $0.33 (at a 3-percent discount rate),” manufacturers will also incur conversion costs of $4.8 million annually. Read the rule.

Appliance: Air Conditioners

The final rule is expected to be enacted by 2025. These new climate-friendly refrigerants, however, are classified as “slightly flammable” and pose a safety risk. The Competitive Enterprise Institute reports there will be a 20 percent price hike on air conditioners, with some models expected to cost an additional $1,000. This rule makes the cost of cooling a home roughly $1,100 more expensive than before. Read the rule.

Appliance: Gas Furnaces

Residential gas furnaces are a popular, cost-effective option for those residing in colder states. They make up 19 percent of annual residential energy use. A proposed rule to replace non-condensing gas furnaces for condensing furnaces, if adopted, would phase out 40-60% of models. The update would cost consumers an additional $494 on average and go into effect in 2028, if enacted. As a result, the gas furnace industry will incur “total conversion costs of $150.6 million” and increased equipment costs will be $524 million per year. Read the rule.

Appliance: Ceiling Fans

Updating ceiling fans models would only save consumers $28-39 on costs and result in $86.6 million in increased equipment costs annually. If this rule is finalized, an estimated 10-30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers would be expected to shut down. Read the rule.

Appliance: Air Cleaners

New air cleaner standards will go into effect in 2024. The conversation costs are estimated to cost manufacturers $57.3 million and lead to increased equipment costs amounting to $19.8 million per year. Read the rule.

Appliance: Washing Machines

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers warns this new rule will disproportionately harm low-income families and potentially eliminate 98% of washing machine models from the market within four years. This rule would increase per-unit prices between $150-$200 or more and only save consumers $7 annually. More problematic, DOE says this will result in increased equipment costs totalling $800.8 million annually. Read the rule.

Appliance: Clothes Dryers

A new consumer clothes dryer rule aimed at reducing carbon emissions goes into effect in 2027. It claims consumers will use 40% less energy and save $36 on annual utility bills by switching to more green-friendly alternatives. But this will result in upkeep costs and longer cycle times. This will result in increased equipment costs totaling $85.7 million per year. Read the rule.

Appliance: Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers improve air quality by removing excess air moisture. DOE wants to enact new standards that are more “climate-friendly” and would only save consumers between $31 to $146 annually on life-cycle costs (LCC). The cost of conversion is estimated at $6.9 million and $8.55 million in increased product costs annually. Read the rule.

Appliance: Coolers and Freezers

DOE claims new cooler and freezer standards will offer savings ranging from a low of $18 to high of $1,200 on life-cycle costs (LCC). The agency says “walk-in non-display door and refrigeration system industries would incur total conversion costs of $28.9 million and $60.1 million, respectively.” This rule would be finalized in 2027 and lead to “$70.7 million per year in increased equipment costs.” Read the rule.

Appliance: Incandescent Light Bulbs

As of August 1st, 2023, incandescent light bulbs won’t be sold in stores anymore. Consumers can only buy LED or fluorescent bulbs going forward, despite incandescent bulbs being cheaper. This rule makes the cost of lighting a home $140 or more expensive. Read the rule.

Appliance: Pool Pump Motors

New DOE residential pool pump motor standards are being pushed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the savings are paltry. Consumers are only expected to save between $3-$246 in life-cycle costs annually. The average cost of conversion is $56.2 million and an annual $221 million increase in equipment costs. Read the rule.

Appliance: Consumer Boilers

New consumer boiler model standards, if approved, would be hardly efficient or cost-effective. While the DOE touts potential $310 to $768 in annual life-cycle cost savings, more troubling is the cost of conversation ($98.0 million) and increase in equipment costs ($52 million annually.) Read the rule.

Appliance: Electric Motors

New DOE electric motor standards promising conservation of energy usage would result in less efficiency and higher costs. The new rule is expected to create “$62.1 million per year in increased equipment costs.” Read the rule.

Appliance: Water Heaters

DOE wants residential water heaters, especially gas-fired models, to go green and attain 90 percent efficiency using non-condensing technology. Rinnai America, a tankless water heater company, warns the new standards “will create an uneven market that effectively bans an already energy efficient product and puts American jobs at risk.” This rule would increase prices by $2,800 and be enacted by 2029. Read the rule.