Higher energy standards are coming to clothes washers and dishwashers. In an effort to reduce water and energy consumption from our most used home appliances, there will soon be new government energy efficient standards in place.

Starting in 2013, dishwashers will be required to be 15% more energy efficient and conserve 20% more water. This will mean a savings of about $100 in utility bills. Starting in 2015, top loading clothes washers will use 15% less energy and consume 35% less water. The front loading versions will be 33% more energy efficient and use 19% less water. That means a savings of anywhere between $400 and $600 in utility bills for that appliance alone.

Many dishwashers and clothes washers already meet the standards. You can read more on the energy savings here at Energy.gov.