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| Sustainable Building Sourcebook | ||||||
| Chapter: Energy | ||||||
Energy Efficient Appliances | ||||||
| CSI Numbers: 11430 Dishwashing Equipment, 11630 Laundry Equipment, 11900 Residential Equipment | ||||||
| Introduction: | ||||||
| The appliances that will be discussed in this section are refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers. Dishwashers are often provided by builders in new homes; refrigerators and washers are usually supplied by the owners. | ||||||
| At-A-Glance Notes: | ||||||
| Technology: | ||||||
Refrigerators could be considered a mature technology because they have existed for a relatively long time. However, an alternative to the use of CFCs, improved insulation qualities, and higher efficiencies through design are being developed. Dishwashers are undergoing minor water and energy efficiency improvements. In the U.S., clothes washers are predominantly vertical axis top loaders, but this is changing rapidly. Look for the yellow EnergyGuide Label on all appliances and use it to choose the more energy efficient model from any manufacturer. |
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| Suppliers: | ||||||
| The most efficient refrigerators must be special ordered from small companies. However, major manufacturers do offer efficient models. Efficient dishwashers are made by major U.S. and European manufacturers. U.S. manufacturers of clothes washers started reintroducing horizontal axis machines in 1992. European models are also available. | ||||||
| Cost: | ||||||
| The initial cost of all the energy efficient appliances may be higher than conventional models. However, the investment can pay for itself in lower utility bills. The City of Austin also offers some incentives for purchasing energy efficient appliances. Rebates up to $100 are available for purchasing efficient clothes washers, for example. | ||||||
| Public Acceptance: | ||||||
Most horizontal axis washers are front-loading, like dryers; they have the advantage that the tops are usable for storage, etc. Some horizontal axis machines can be loaded from the top but may be more difficult to find. Even though the drums on front-loading machines are slightly smaller, these types of machines can accept heavier loads. European machines may have smaller drums than American-made machines. The most energy efficient refrigerators are partial automatic defrost and are small in size. This will affect common acceptance and attract mainly the most environmentally committed consumers. However, refrigerators that exceed Federal Appliance Efficiency Standards are available from major manufacturers and are readily acceptable. |
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| Regulatory: | ||||||
| None. | ||||||
| Considerations: | ||||||
There can be a significant difference in appliance energy consumption. EnergyGuide labels are present on all major appliances to help you select the most efficient models. These labels compare the model bearing the label with other similar models. However, this information does not indicate whether one has selected the most efficient appliance . Check overall energy consumption as well. A larger refrigerator could have lower energy consumption than a smaller one. The most efficient appliance will have certain features that should guide the purchaser to selecting the most efficient model with those features. Appliances, Fig. 1
For example, clothes washers that are front loading horizontal axis machines are 50 percent more efficient, both in water and energy use, as top loaders with a vertical axis. When selecting a front-loading machine, identify the features that create the most efficient energy consumption, such as variable temperature settings, rinse cycles, and load sizes. Similarly, refrigerators have different efficiencies according to features such as defrosting characteristics (manual, partial automatic, automatic), compartment locations, and size. Manual defrost with bottom freezer will outperform top freezer models with automatic defrost, for example. Many dishwashers offer special features that improve energy efficiency. Booster heaters and no-heat drying are two helpful features. It is also important to know how much water the different models require and select those that can clean with the least amount of water. Appliances, Fig. 2
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| Guidelines: | ||||||
Refrigerators
Bottom freezer models are generally the most efficient, while side-by-side models are the least efficient. Manual defrost models use half the energy of automatic defrost but must be defrosted periodically to remain energy efficient. Automatic icemakers and through-the-door dispensers will increase energy use somewhat. The most energy-efficient models are in the 16-20 cubic foot sizes. It is usually less costly to run one larger refrigerator than two smaller ones.
Clothes WashersWash and rinse cyclesFeatures and options that affect the amount of hot water used play a primary role in the overall energy efficiency of the washer since water pumping and heating use more energy than running the washer. Select a model with many cycle choices. Warm water wash cycles clean very well; usually only oily stains require hot water washes. Cold water washing is adequate with proper detergents and pre-soaking and cold rinses are effective for all wash cycles.
"Suds-saver" (reusing slightly soiled wash water) and pre-soaking are energy conserving options. Water level controls and water extractionGenerally, washing a full load is most efficient. The washer should have the option of using a smaller amount of water for small loads. Higher spin speeds will reduce drying times. Horizontal axis machinesThis type of washing machine has a faster spin speed than vertical axis machines. Clothes will require less drying energy as a result. They use approximately a third of the energy and water of the vertical axis machines. The City of Austin offers a rebate for water efficient clothes washers. DishwashersWater use will primarily determine the energy efficiency. Use models that require the least amount of water. Good water-saving machines will use under seven gallons per load on regular cycles. Booster heaters conserve energy by allowing the primary water heater to operate at a lower temperature setting. Washing a full load is best but wash cycle options that can do smaller loads will conserve energy. A no-heat drying cycle is readily available and is a good energy saver. | ||||||
| Resources: | ||||||
| Components/Materials/Systems: | ||||||
Refrigerators:See "Appliances-Major Dealers" in Yellow Pages Amana Sun Frost Sunelco Horizontal axis washing machines:See "Appliances-Major Dealers" in Yellow Pages Maytag Neptune MAH300 Equator Corporation Staber Industries, Inc. Westland Sales Dishwashers:See "Appliances-Major Dealers" in Yellow Pages European brand US distributors: ASKO USA Creda Inc. McNairs Appliances Miele Appliances, Inc. |
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| General Assistance: | ||||||
Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings , Seventh Edition, 1999 Energy Star National Energy Conservation Policy Act (P.L. 95-619) and National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (P.L. 100-12) |
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