Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Bill to Require Labeling of Home Appliance Lifespans, Help Families Make Informed Purchases

Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the Performance Life Disclosure Act. The legislation will require home appliance manufacturers to label products with the anticipated performance life with and without recommended maintenance, as well as the cost of such maintenance.

The legislation will help consumers make better-informed purchasing decisions based on the expected longevity of home appliances and avoid unexpected household expenses. Manufacturers would be incentivized to produce more durable and easily repairable products.

Despite advances in appliance technology in the past few decades, appliances are becoming less reliable and more difficult and expensive to repair. As a result, families are spending more money on appliances and replacing them more often.

Under the bill, the National Institute of Standards and Technology would determine which home appliances fall under the requirement, and manufacturers would have five years to comply.

“Home appliances are major purchases – but when families buy a brand-new washer, dryer, or fridge just to have it conk out after a few years, it’s immensely frustrating and it drains wealth from the middle class,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “With appliances breaking down more often, I’m introducing the Performance Life Disclosure Act to protect our pocketbooks and provide more transparency for hardworking families. Many manufacturers aren’t making home appliances like they used to – and this legislation would help Americans identify which products and manufacturers are worth investing our hard-earned dollars in.”

Full text of the bill is available here.