Page 44 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

THE HOMEOWNER’S HANDBOOK EIGHTH EDITION

Appliances09

Technology you can trust.

Proper sizing and use

can make these labor-saving Don’t overlook
the familiar yellow
machines more EnergyGuide sticker.

energy efficient. It holds a host of
information that
can help you find Tough Interiors
OME APPLIANCES SAVE time, make our homes more Better units have
comfortable, and increase our quality of life. However, the most efficient stainless steel
there is more to choosing an appliance than simply appliances available. interiors that will not
selecting the finish, features and price. stain or catch food.
H Finding a washer, dryer or refrigerator that gets the Durable interiors
job done while using less energy and water has become much easier, greatly extend
thanks to programs such as Energy Star and the EnergyGuide label. vegetables, for instance, require higher levels of humidity and a the lifespan of a
These labels help you select an appliance that performs well, yet constant circulation of air to retain their freshness, color, flavor and dishwasher.
conserves natural resources. vitamins. Meats, on the other hand, should be kept in drier, more
air-tight compartments. While this technology can help you preserve
REFRIGERATORS your food, it does come at a higher price.
The Big Energy Hogs
Of all the appliances in the home, the refrigerator can be the most What to Know
wasteful of electricity. Unlike other appliances that you can turn ■ ■ If you have a refrigerator that’s more than 15 years old, replace it!
off, the refrigerator is always on. Fortunately, modern refrigerators ■ ■ Energy Star–rated refrigerators can save you hundreds of dollars
are more than 75 percent more energy efficient than ones built over the life of the appliance.
just 15 years ago. ■ ■ Size matters: One big refrigerator in the kitchen is better than
Upgrading your 1970s-era fridge to a modern Energy Star option two small ones (i.e., one in the kitchen, one in the garage).
can save you over $200 annually in energy bills. Rebates from
local utility companies, manufacturers, federal, state and local DISHWASHERS
governments are often available. Visit www.dsireusa.org to see Quiet and Efficient
what’s available in your area. Energy savings and water savings are closely linked; the more hot
Besides saving energy, some manufacturers are producing water you use in your appliances, the higher your energy bills.
refrigerators that simply do a better job of storing food. Smart Dishwashers produced before 1994 typically use 10 gallons per load
refrigerators are able to moderate the humidity of different bins more water than modern units. Considering that the average home
within the unit, which reduces food spoilage and waste. Fruit and washes over 300 loads per year, reducing the amount of water used

Flexible Cycles
FLEX HOUSE SPONSOR Whirlpool Compact Smart dishwashers include
Bosch Home Appliances Tall Tub Dishwasher several modes that can save even
Bosch’s compact appliances, such as its At 18” wide, this compact and sleek more water, electricity—or both. For
line of 24-inch refrigerators, offer the same stainless steel dishwasher fits into tight example, this unit has a “Half Load”
Energy Star-rated performance of their larger spaces where other dishwashers cannot. setting that reduces water waste.
counterparts—but in a smaller package. They Sound-reducing insulation keeps
also feature a clean and intuitive user interface, this Energy Star-qualified unit quiet
with special attention to touch and feel. during operation.
www.bosch-home.com/us/ http://bit.ly/1NBrW5A Quiet Operation
Excessive noise isn’t just irritating. It’s been shown to raise
stress levels in humans—adversely affecting health. Quieter
42 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2017 www.greenbuildermedia.com machines make better living companions.

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