Dishwasher ENERGY STAR Requirements and Tiers

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program in the United States. The government sets energy efficiency specifications, and manufacturers who meet them can choose to display the ENERGY STAR logo. The program is administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that when you see the label, you are looking at a product that has been independently certified to meet strict standards for energy efficiency.

For dishwashers, ENERGY STAR certification is not a single fixed standard. The requirements are updated over time, and the current criteria became effective on July 19, 2023. If you are comparing new models, it is useful to check that the model you are considering meets these latest thresholds, because older certified models may have met less strict, previous standards.

• ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the DOE and EPA.
• Certification is voluntary and based on government-set specifications.
• The current dishwasher criteria took effect on July 19, 2023.

Current Requirements for Standard and Compact Dishwashers

The ENERGY STAR key product criteria table lists two main categories: standard and compact. A standard dishwasher holds at least 8 place settings plus 6 serving pieces. A compact model holds fewer than 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces. For standard models, the maximum energy consumption is 240 kWh per year, and the maximum water consumption is 3.2 gallons per cycle. For compact models, the limits are 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle.

The energy and water limits are measured using a test method defined by the DOE. The annual energy figure includes energy to operate the machine, heat water, and dry the dishes. Standby energy is also included in the annual energy calculation. The test assumes an average of 215 cycles per year. This is the baseline against which all certified models are measured.

ENERGY STAR vs. the EnergyGuide Label

The yellow EnergyGuide label is a federal requirement, not a voluntary badge. It appears on all new dishwashers and shows the estimated yearly electricity use, the estimated yearly operating cost, and a comparison range for similar models. The ENERGY STAR label is an additional certification that only appears on models that meet the stricter energy and water limits. A model always carries the EnergyGuide label, but it only carries the ENERGY STAR mark if it meets the criteria.

The EnergyGuide label uses the same annual energy consumption metrics but does not show the annual energy consumption (AEC) figure itself. Instead, it translates the energy use into an estimated cost using average energy prices. This difference is important when you are comparing two models: the EnergyGuide label helps you estimate operating cost, while the ENERGY STAR certification tells you that the model meets a high efficiency threshold. You can read more about the label in our article on reading the dishwasher EnergyGuide label.

• EnergyGuide is required on all new dishwashers.
• ENERGY STAR is a voluntary certification for high performers.
• EnergyGuide shows estimated yearly cost; ENERGY STAR shows efficiency tiers.

What Certification Means for Your Utility Bills

The ENERGY STAR program states that a standard-size certified dishwasher can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime compared with a non-certified model. Those savings come from both lower energy use and lower water use. Because the dishwasher heats its own water, reducing water consumption directly reduces energy consumption.

The savings are not trivial. According to the EPA, less than 1 percent of the water on Earth is available for human use. Using a more efficient dishwasher reduces the demand on freshwater resources and also reduces the air pollution and greenhouse gases associated with generating electricity. This makes ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers a sensible choice for both your household budget and the environment.

Features That Help a Dishwasher Earn the Label

Modern dishwashers use several technologies to meet the ENERGY STAR thresholds. The ENERGY STAR product page highlights soil sensors, improved water filtration, more efficient jets, and better dish rack designs. A soil sensor, also called an auto-sensing cycle, detects whether the water coming off the dishes is dirty or clean, and adjusts the cycle length and water usage accordingly. This feature is one of the easiest ways to save water on lightly soiled loads.

If you choose a model without a soil sensor, the ENERGY STAR guidance recommends looking for multiple wash cycle options, such as a light cycle for slightly soiled dishes or an energy-saving wash cycle. The ability to turn off the heated dry option also reduces energy use. These features do not automatically guarantee a certification, but they help the model perform well under the DOE test procedure.

• Soil sensor with auto-sensing cycle
• Improved water filtration
• Multiple wash cycle options
• Option to turn off heated dry

How to Verify a Dishwasher is ENERGY STAR Certified

The most reliable way to check certification is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo on the product or its packaging. For online shopping, most major retailers include the ENERGY STAR badge in the product listing. You can also use the official ENERGY STAR Product Finder, which lists all certified models by category. This is the definitive source, because it only includes models that have been independently certified to meet the current criteria.

If you are comparing a specific model, you can also look up its EnergyGuide label. The yellow label will show the estimated annual operating cost, and the ENERGY STAR logo will appear alongside it if the model qualifies. Remember that certification applies to the specific configuration, not just the brand. A brand may offer some certified models and some non-certified models, so always check the model number. For guidance on specific sizes, see our picks for 18-inch built-ins and 24-inch built-ins.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the current ENERGY STAR standard for dishwashers?

The criteria effective July 19, 2023, set a limit of 240 kWh/year and 3.2 gallons/cycle for standard models, and 155 kWh/year and 2.0 gallons/cycle for compact models. A standard model holds at least 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces.

Is ENERGY STAR certification required by law?

No, it is voluntary. Manufacturers choose to submit their products for certification if they meet the government-set specifications. The EnergyGuide label, by contrast, is a mandatory federal label on all new dishwashers.

Does the ENERGY STAR label guarantee lower operating costs?

The label indicates that a model meets strict efficiency thresholds. EnergyGuide label data provides the estimated annual operating cost for comparison. The actual cost varies with your local utility rates and how you use the dishwasher.

Are compact dishwashers always more energy efficient?

Compact models have lower maximum energy (155 kWh/year) and water (2.0 gallons/cycle) limits because they are smaller. However, due to their smaller capacity, the ENERGY STAR program notes they may use more energy per place setting over time.

How is dishwasher energy use measured for the standard?

The DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix C1 is used. It calculates annual energy use assuming 215 cycles per year, and includes energy for operation, water heating, drying, and standby power.