THE PRODUCT:
Microwave ovens cook or heat food and beverages by converting electricity to microwave radiation to heat water molecules within the substance.
THE STANDARD:
DOE established the first efficiency standards for microwave ovens in 2013, and they took effect in 2016. The standards specify a maximum standby power of 1 watt for microwave-only ovens and countertop combination microwave ovens and 2.2 watts for built-in and over-the-range combination microwave ovens.
KEY FACTS:
More than 95% of US households own a microwave. DOE identified several technology options that could reduce power consumption in standby mode including lower-power display options; cooking sensors with no standby power requirement; improved power supply and control board options; and automatic power-down. Adding an automatic power-down element, which turns off most power-consuming components after a period of inactivity, can allow for achieving standby power levels of less than 1 watt.
