LG EcoHybrid Heat Pump Dryer Earns 2014 ENERGY STAR® Emerging Technology Award

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Global home appliance leader LG Electronics has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2014 ENERGY STAR® Emerging Technology Award for its revolutionary new EcoHybrid™ Heat Pump Dryer. The annual award is given to innovative technologies that meet rigorous performance criteria to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features or functionality.

"We applaud LG for being the first to offer a heat pump dryer for sale in North America," said Ann Bailey, Director of ENERGY STAR Products at EPA. "This super-efficient, cutting-edge technology has the potential to save significant amounts of energy and C02 emissions."

The LG EcoHybrid Dryer is the latest demonstration of LG's commitment to bringing advanced technologies to the United States, particularly through more efficient appliances designed with the environment in mind. Unlike conventional electric dryers that waste considerable amounts of energy, LG's EcoHybrid Dryer is the first commercially available dryer in the United States to utilize heat pump technology to capture and recycle energy generated during the drying process. Third-party test data shows that LG's EcoHybrid Heat Pump Dryer saves up to 50 percent more energy than conventional electric dryers.

William Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA, called the LG EcoHybrid Dryer a "breakthrough in energy efficiency that sets the standard for sustainable appliances in the United States and around the world." He added: "Environmental sustainability is a core business principle at LG Electronics, and revolutionary new ENERGY STAR certified products like the LG EcoHybrid Dryer exemplify LG's commitment to helping consumers address climate change through appliance innovations that enhance their lives."

Coupled with unparalleled energy efficiency, the vented LG EcoHybrid Dryer features all the bells and whistles of other high-end LG dryers, including LG TrueSteam™ technology, which uses real steam to reduce wrinkles and odors, practically eliminating the need for ironing. The 7.3-cubic-foot capacity dryer is also equipped with Smart Diagnosis™ technology, allowing users to troubleshoot issues without a service call.

LG has been working toward introducing its heat pump dryer technology to the U.S. market for more than three years. In order to do this, LG had to engineer a product that could take advantage of the high efficiency offered by a heat pump while at the same time adhering to the expectations of U.S. consumers. The result is a machine that delivers optimal energy-saving performance without sacrificing on the cutting-edge features LG customers have come to expect.

"The Alliance to Save Energy applauds LG for demonstrating market leadership and a commitment to advancing energy efficiency by bringing forward a product that not only will deliver big savings to consumers on their monthly energy bills but also helps to improve our environment by reducing energy consumption and therefore harmful emissions," said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. "We are proud to count LG among the elite corporations with whom the Alliance is working to advance energy efficiency for a cleaner environment and a more robust economy."

"Moving the market to heat pump clothes dryers has the potential to provide consumers with a new level of laundry performance while delivering significant energy savings," said Jeff Harris, Director, Technology and Market Strategy, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). "NEEA is looking forward to working with innovators like LG to help advance dryer energy efficiency and bring those savings home."

Residential clothes dryers represent significant opportunities for energy efficiency gains. New federal efficiency standards for dryers from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) take effect in 2015. In addition to earning the EPA's coveted Emerging Technology Award in advance of these new standards, the LG EcoHybrid dryer is among the industry's first dryers to be ENERGY STAR certified, based on the new DOE dryer test procedures.

LG plans to work closely with the EPA and electric utilities to promote the new dryer and help educate consumers on the energy efficiency benefits of this groundbreaking product that will deliver huge energy savings.

David Lis, Director for Market Strategies at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) joined efficiency advocates in congratulating LG on receiving ENERGY STAR's 2014 Emerging Technology Award. "Clothes dryers represent an exciting new opportunity for energy savings and LG has been a clear leader in paving that pathway," said Lis.  "NEEP is excited to work cooperatively with LG and efficiency programs to build market awareness and excitement around emerging dryer technology, including LG's new EcoHybrid Dryer." 

Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) also shared his support. "The ACEEE believes the ENERGY STAR Emerging Technologies Award and efforts to commercialize heat pump clothes dryers are important strategies for increasing the amount of energy efficiency savings available," said Nadel.  "We are delighted that LG has brought a new heat pump clothes dryer to market."

Unveiled earlier this year at the 2014 International CES®, the award-winning LG EcoHybrid Heat Pump Dryer (model DLHX4072)  is available now in selected U.S. markets and will be available nationwide this fall. Before incentives and rebates from utilities, its suggested retail price is $1,599 in a white finish and $1,699 in graphite. Companion ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers are also available now. For more information on LG's full line up of laundry appliances, please visit www.lg.com/us/appliances.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
A proud 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 82,000 people working in 119 locations around the world. With 2013 global sales of USD 53.10 billion (KRW 58.14 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliances, Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more LG news and information, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $53 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. LG Electronics, a 2014 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Partner of the Year, sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions in the United States, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About ENERGY STAR
Products, homes and buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR label prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements set by the U.S. EPA. From the first ENERGY STAR qualified computer in 1992, the label can now be found on products in more than 70 different categories, with more than 4.5 billion sold over the past 20 years. Over 1.5 million new homes and 23,000 office buildings, schools, hospitals and plants have earned the ENERGY STAR label.

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SOURCE LG Electronics USA, Inc.