Unlocking the Energy Efficiency Potential of Washing Machines in China

Washing machines are one of the most widely used household appliances in China, with a market penetration exceeding 98%. These appliances consume approximately 61 terawatt hours of electricity and 13 billion cubic meters of water annually.

This report presents key findings and recommendations for unlocking significant energy and water savings by improving China’s standards, last revised in 2013. It compares China’s current washing machine energy efficiency standards with those of the European Union (EU), analyzes market trends, and quantifies the potential emissions reductions and water savings from policy improvements.

Key Findings

• China’s current washing machine energy efficiency standards are outdated. Over 99% of drum washing machines on the market already meet or exceed the highest energy efficiency grade, indicating a need for more ambitious standards.
• Upgrading minimum energy performance standards to the best available technology (BAT) in the Chinese market could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 21 megatons and save 5 billion cubic meters of water.
• Clothes dryer ownership is expanding rapidly, with more efficient heat pump dryers now accounting for 61% of the market. These models consume less than half the energy of traditional heat element dryers.
• China’s standards are less comprehensive than EU standards, particularly regarding washer-dryers, washing cycle duration, and detergent residue requirements.
• Consumer behavior significantly influences real-world energy use, and current test methods do not adequately reflect how appliances are used.
• Smart washing machines with new features are increasingly common, yet there is a lack of research on how these functions affect energy consumption.

Recommendations

• Strengthen energy efficiency standards for washing machines based on market trends and the BAT, and plan for regular reviews to align with technological advancements.
• Develop mandatory energy efficiency standards for clothes dryers, including unified requirements for heat element and heat pump models.
• Expand the scope of standards to include the wash-drying cycle, washing time limits, and detergent residue controls for improved performance and user safety.
• Conduct consumer behavior studies to ensure test procedures and standards reflect real-world usage.
• Carry out comparative testing between Chinese and EU standards to inform future policy improvements and ensure regulatory compatibility.
• Evaluate the impact of smart features and additional functions on energy consumption and consider introducing energy consumption limits for these new functions in future standards.