This article from the USA Today points out that new energy efficiency ratings for appliances from Energy Star are long overdue. The companion article pointed out that “of the major appliances currently for sale at Sears.com, 84% of fridges, 92% of clothes washers, and 97% of dishwashers are Energy Star–certified. Every single front-loading clothes washer sold by Sears meets Energy Star criteria.” New ratings are in process, but with the logjam in Washington, it may be awhile before we see those. However, multifamily operators should be comparing the energy efficiency of the appliances they are replacing with these new models. When you look at it that way, Energy Star appliances will continue to provide significant savings for your residents.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/10/04/reviewed-energy-star-stalemate/2897277/