By the Numbers: Efficiency deficiency

$953

The estimated extra cost to purchase and install a new electric water heater when Department of Energy environmental regulations take effect in 2029 according to a Competitive Enterprise Institute study released in December. With a large portion of Americans concerned about affordability, governmental policies provide at least one clue for why prices keep going up.

36%

The share of American households that have put off large purchases like cars or appliances, citing discomfort with their financial situation, according to a December Navigator survey.

7

The number of times regulators have imposed tightened environmental requirements on washing machines beginning in 1988 and most recently in 2024. Regulations have increased costs while reducing cleaning capacity and creating reliability problems.

99%

The share of LED light bulbs currently on the market that will not meet Biden-era regulations when they take effect in 2028, according to a CEI report. The DOE estimates that light bulb prices will increase from $2.98 to $5.68 per bulb.