BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–Eighty-four percent of consumers regard energy, rather than water or time, as the most important factor in rating an appliance’s efficiency, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Whirlpool.
Also, 72 percent of the respondents said they actively look for the Energy Star label when shopping for appliances. Ecologically efficient appliances ranked at the top of desired appliances with the participants of the survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive, the polling firm. Yet the understanding of the benefits of Energy Star labeling varies among different demographics, indicating the need for further education about this program, according to a statement from Whirlpool.
Demand for energy-efficient appliances turned up particularly strong among people who are or were married, males aged from 35 to 44 and consumers of both genders aged from 18 to 44. However, 44 percent of all consumers said they did not know if top-load washers use more energy than front-load washers—another indication of the need for more education, Whirlpool said.