Page 50 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION

on clothes, and require less detergent. By using gravity to move the Glossary of Terms
clothes inside the drum instead of a spindle, front-loading washers
also conserve electricity while providing more effective spin cycles. Know the Lingo

Two terms to be familiar with when evaluating washing machines

48 are modified energy factor (MEF) and water factor (WF). The higher ■■ Modified Energy Factor (MEF): MEF is the

the MEF, the more energy efficient the model. This rating takes into official energy efficiency metric used to compare relative

account not only the energy used during the course of cleaning efficiencies of different clothes washers. MEF considers

the clothes, but also the energy used to heat the water and run the the energy used to run the washer, heat the water and
dryer. The WF rates the water efficiency of the unit based on its run the dryer. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the
size. The lower the WF, the more water efficient the washer. clothes washer.

Using the MEF and WF, along with an Energy Star label and ■■ Water Factor (WF): WF is a measurement of water
the EnergyGuide label can help you determine which washer set efficiency that is calculated as gallons of water used per
will conserve resources yet still perform well. cubic foot of capacity. The lower the number the more
water efficient the clothes washer.

What to Know ■■ High Efficiency (HE): HE is used to describe clothes
washers that typically use 50 percent less water than
■■ Dryers with moisture sensors can greatly reduce energy use. traditional units. Special low-sudsing detergent is used with
■■ Most HE (high efficiency) washers use special low-sudsing these models.
detergent.
■■ Energy Star specifications for clothes dryers took effect on ■■ EnergyGuide Label: This yellow label created by the U.S.
January 1st of this year. Federal Trade Commission is on most home appliances,
and will help you compare the energy use (and cost) of
operating one appliance relative to another.

www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015What are Smart Appliances? ■■ Induction Cooking: Induction heating elements heat
IMAGE CREDIT: LG ELECCTRONICS only the pan and its contents, and offer energy efficiency
GET READY FOR A by reducing wasted heat when compared to radiant
whole new wave and gas cooktops. The actual induction element stays
of intelligent cool, while the metal pot or pan up rapidly making
appliances. These “smart” induction heating safer and more energy efficient than
refrigerators, washers, traditional cooking methods.
dryers and water heaters
can track how much ■■ Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE): CEE, a
energy they are using; consortium of efficiency program administrators from
those that are smart grid across the United States and Canada, periodically compiles
ready have the ability to lists of products that meet the organization’s tiers of
shift usage to periods efficiency, based on manufacturer data. www.cee1.org
of lower electricity demand, thereby easing pressure on the
electrical grid. For example, a smart washer can delay the ■■ Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC): HCFC-based
start of a load to off-peak times, or a refrigerator can turn its refrigerants are the most common type of refrigerant
compressor off for a couple of hours. used in the United States today and are considered
significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions
Some smart features are geared toward convenience; and global warming.
for example, you can select cycles and start or start washer
or dryer loads remotely, download new cycles or even DISHWASHERS
troubleshoot problems with technicians. LG Electronics offers Quiet and Efficient
a smart refrigerator that will send you a photo of its contents Energy savings and water savings are closely linked; the more hot
to your smartphone, if you’re having trouble remembering water you use in your appliances, the higher your energy bills.
what you need to buy at the grocery store. Smart ovens Dishwashers produced before 1994 typically use 10 gallons per
can download and store recipes (with photos), and smart load more water than modern units. Considering that the average
dishwashers will make suggestions on the most efficient cycle home washes over 300 loads per year, reducing the amount of
for the particular load. water used can quickly lower utility bills. Dishwashers that offer
cycle selections and energy-saving options can help reduce the
Though many of the major manufacturers, including amount of water you use.
Whirlpool, GE, Bosch and LG Electronics, are starting to offer
smart appliances, expect a greater range of offerings over the To dissolve detergent and remove grease, dishwashers require
next few years. The expansion of choices should start driving extremely hot water. Many dishwashers now come with a “booster”
the price of intelligence down. or internal heating element that raises the incoming water
temperature to the required 140 degrees.

This can allow you to lower the temperature on your water