What they specifically do is make the “normal” cycle useless, since the DOE only tests the default cycle setting. Typically the others – heavy duty, timed dry, etc. – are as inefficient as they like.
Same deal with clothes washers and dishwashers. Ever look at the energy guide labels on current diahwasher models and notice they’re all rated at 270 kWh/yr? That’s why. Guess what the minimum to meet Energy Star qualification is.
What they specifically do is make the “normal” cycle useless, since the DOE only tests the default cycle setting. Typically the others – heavy duty, timed dry, etc. – are as inefficient as they like.
Same deal with clothes washers and dishwashers. Ever look at the energy guide labels on current diahwasher models and notice they’re all rated at 270 kWh/yr? That’s why. Guess what the minimum to meet Energy Star qualification is.
This is why the normal cycle on normal dryness is about 3/4th’s dry. If you choose the normal cycle with the “very dry” option it works as it should.
No dryer meets the energy star usage requirements under “normal” consumer usage.
It’s all a game to meet regulations and marketing.
Just another example of originally well intentioned but deliberately poorly written and implemented laws due to corporate lobbying corrupting them.