Is Kenmore 500 Washing Machine Energy Star Rated?

Kenmore 500

• The Kenmore 500 is one of the company's least expensive models, as of the time of publication. It measures 43 1/8 inches high by 27 inches wide and 26 inches deep. The washer weighs 175 pounds. The Kenmore 500's 3.5 cubic foot capacity means it can clean 16 bath towels in one load. The energy express wash cycle washes small loads of laundry in 24 minutes. A second rinse cycle option helps remove detergent residue, which is helpful for people with sensitive skin.

Energy Efficiency

• While the Kenmore 500 is not Energy Star rated, it saves 32 percent more water and 48 percent more energy compared with similar top-loading washing machines that were made before 2004, according to Kenmore

Energy Star Ratings

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy jointly oversee the Energy Star program, which began in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program to promote energy-efficient products and help consumers identify ones that could help save money on their energy bills. In addition to appliances such as washing machines, the energy star program also labels home electronics, office equipment and lighting. Criteria for earning an Energy Star rating include significant energy savings for consumers that would offset a higher price for the product, as well as verifiable energy consumption and performance.

Kenmore Energy Star Washers

• While the Kenmore 500 is not an Energy Star washing machine, Kenmore makes 68 other washing machines that do meet the requirements, according to Energy Star's product search engine. A majority of these are front-loading machines. They range in capacity from 2.6 to 4.48 cubic feet and use an estimated 95 to 273 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. By comparison, the Kenmore 500 uses an estimated 310 kilowatt hours each year and costs about $33 per year to use when water is warmed by an electric water heater, and $22 when a natural gas water heater is used.