Whirlpool Corporation , the world's leading home appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes the company's leadership in offering consumers appliance energy and water efficiency through its portfolio of brands. This is the company's 10th ENERGY STAR award and fourth consecutive Sustained Excellence win.

Whirlpool will accept the award at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2009.

"Whirlpool Corporation is honored to again receive the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award," said Mike Todman, president, Whirlpool North America. "At Whirlpool we contribute sustainable solutions that meet consumer needs, generate shareholder value and enhance the welfare of current and future generations. In 2009, Whirlpool will again lead the industry with eco-efficient, functional and design-forward product innovations from our diverse portfolio of brands."

"The ENERGY STAR awards represent achievements the Department of Energy is proud to recognize, as they represent notable progress or sustained excellence in working to secure our energy future," said Richard H. Karney, ENERGY STAR Program Manager, U.S. DOE. "In 2009, our partners like Whirlpool Corporation receiving these awards demonstrated superb commitment to advancing the adoption of energy efficient products and addressing our environmental challenges."

"EPA is delighted to recognize Whirlpool with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award," said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the U.S. EPA. "Whirlpool Corporation's leadership on energy and water efficiency has yielded impressive results for their bottom line and our global environment, showing us all what can be accomplished through sustained commitment and action."

Whirlpool Corporation is the global industry leader in developing high-performance appliances that help conserve the earth's resources and allow homeowners to use energy and water more efficiently. It leads the industry in bringing an "across the board" focus to energy and water conservation, from product design to manufacturing, delivery and end of the product life-cycle.

A recent Whirlpool Corporation Survey (see http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/features/ecosurvey/) revealed the importance of energy efficiency to consumers. Through its unmatched portfolio - including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana and Gladiator brands - the company offers consumers the largest breadth of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances:

  --  Knowing that 80 percent of consumers believe it is important to save
      energy, Whirlpool® brand leads the way, providing the Eco Kitchen to
      help consumers integrate environmentally-friendly changes in one of
      the biggest energy-consuming living spaces of the home. The Eco
      Kitchen, which includes the Resource Saver™ refrigerator, Resource
      Saver™ dishwasher, Velos® SpeedCook oven and Energy Save range,
      is the brand's most energy-efficient kitchen ever. The refrigerator
      exceeds federal minimum efficiency standards by 30 percent, making it
      the most energy efficient side-by-side refrigerator ever to hit the
      market.

  --  Whirlpool® brand's new French door refrigerator with external ice
      and water is ideal for those who like to keep their refrigerators
      stocked with fresh food, at eye level and within reach. Additionally,
      this ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator exceeds federal efficiency
      standards by 20 percent. Running this refrigerator uses about as much
      energy as a simple 60-watt light bulb.

  --  The new Whirlpool® brand Cabrio® HE CEE Tier III energy qualified
      washer can save up to $900 in lifetime water and energy costs and
      features a 5.0 cu. ft. drum capacity - the largest in the industry. No
      other manufacturer offers more high-efficiency (HE) and ENERGY STAR
      qualified washers than Whirlpool Corporation.

  --  For a cleanup performance that's both powerful and quiet, the
      KitchenAid® brand offers the exceptionally powerful and quiet
      Superba® series EQ dishwasher. The line includes best-in-class
      washing and drying results, energy efficiency and the industry's
      lowest sound levels.

  --  With nearly three-quarters of consumers still comfortable with
      top-load laundry, Whirlpool has taken a full portfolio approach to
      creating an option for every lifestyle. Maytag® Bravos® is one of
      the first CEE Tier III energy qualified top-load washers on the
      market, delivering 70 percent water and 67 percent energy savings.

  --  Known for its exceptionally robust components and long-term
      dependability, Maytag® brand offers the Maytag® Jetclean®
      dishwasher with an exclusive Silverware Blast™ feature that ensures
      silverware and utensils come out clean the first time every time
      without sacrificing energy efficiency. The Silverware Blast feature
      has four spray jets targeted specifically at the silverware basket to
      evenly distribute focused water pressure to remove caked-on food
      particles.

  --  Jenn-Air® brand products are designed for precise performance and
      with state-of-the-art innovations which instill confidence that
      culinary excellence will be achieved. The stainless steel
      commercial-style dishwasher with UltraClean wash system provides
      energy efficient, enhanced cleaning for results that meet consumers'
      higher standards.

  --  Common sense features and smart styling at an affordable price. The
      Amana® brand's new front-load laundry pair offers a fresh approach
      to doing laundry. Antimicrobial protection component takes freshness
      even further by inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew and odor-causing
      bacteria on the door seal. With the washer, consumers will use 10,521
      fewer gallons of water each year and save 44 percent on energy use
      when compared to a standard, non-ENERGY STAR qualifying washer.

  --  The Gladiator® Chillerator® Garage Refrigerator is the only ENERGY
      STAR qualified refrigerator designed for the extreme humidity and
      temperatures of the garage environment. Providing the latest and
      greatest in innovation, space savings and an upscale look that really
      stands out in the garage, the Chillerator appeals to busy families who
      need a second refrigerator that also saves money by reducing energy
      consumption.


  About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: angela_m_hersil@whirlpool.com

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation