Page 51 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

heater and still allow your dishwasher to operate at optimum Ranges. The kitchen range is a dual oven/cooktop, and is 49
levels. Some dishwashers offer the booster cycle, but only if you available in electric, natural gas and dual fuel. The benefit of a
select “heavy duty.” dual-fuel range is that it has the benefits of gas burners on the www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
cooktop, but offers the stable temperatures of oven cooking with
Along with energy and water savings, noise is a factor in electricity. Cooktops are also available using electrical induction,
choosing a dishwasher. Measured in decibels (dB), the amount of which creates a magnetic field that heats pans directly, unlike
sound produced can vary dramatically by make and model. traditional electric resistance coils, which use conduction to
transfer heat.
Normal conversation levels range around 60 dB, so choosing a
unit that is quieter than that is important. Because of advances in Microwaves. Often an afterthought when finishing a kitchen,
insulation and sound proofing, some dishwashers can be “whisper microwaves can create a more energy-efficient and comfortable
quiet,” creating as little as 41 dB during operation. That is the just kitchen when used properly. Energy consumption can be reduced
slightly louder than the hum of your refrigerator. by up to 80 percent when smaller portions are heated up in the
microwave instead of the oven. Also, using a microwave instead of
What to Know the oven will reduce the amount of heat generated in the kitchen.

■■ Dishwashers have two EnergyGuide cost labels: one for Range Hoods. These are important in the kitchen for several
consumers who use electric water heaters and one for natural reasons. First, the ventilation removes unwanted moisture, which
gas users. could lead to mold issues in the home. It also exhausts heat, smoke and
cooking odors from the home. A quality hood also offers task lighting
■■ Boost heaters generally increase the cost of the unit, but the above the range, which will increase safety around hot burners.
energy savings can pay for the upgrade in about one year.
What to Know
■■ Dishwashers fall into two categories—compact and standard.
■■ Induction ranges are more energy efficient than traditional
RANGES AND OVENS ranges, but can only be used with ferrous (steel or iron) cookware.
Smart Cooking Saves Energy
■■ Flat cooktops are not necessarily induction ranges.
Refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry units may be ■■ Most flat-surfaced cooktops simply use electric resistance
considered “major” appliances, but they aren’t the only units heaters under a ceramic cover.
you may have to purchase or replace. Thoughtful selection ■■ There is no Energy Star label for residential ovens, ranges or
of ranges, ovens, cooktops, microwaves and range hoods can microwave ovens at this time. GB
help reduce energy use while improving the quality of life
around your home.

How Much Electricity Do Appliances Use?

Cost/Year 0 $42 $83 $125 $166 $208 This chart shows
how much energy
Electric Blanket a typical appliance
Microwave Oven uses per year and
its corresponding
Television cost, based on
Dehumidifier national averages.

Well Pump For example, a refrigerator uses
Home Computer almost five times the electricity
Aquarium/Terrarium the average television uses. Not
surprisingly, pools and spas are
Dishwasher energy hogs.
Electric Cooker
Visit www.energysavers.gov for
Freezer
Waterbed Heater instructions on calculating the

Clothes Dryer 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 electrical use of your appliances.
Washing Machine
-Editor
Refrigerator
Pool Pump
Spa (Pump and Heater)

kWh/Year 0

SOURCE: DOE