OUT IN FRONT Simple changes with sudden impact
This side-by-side refrigerator from Whirlpool is one of the most energy
efficient (for its size) ever built.
Specifications
FEATURED PRODUCT: Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator
MANUFACTURER: Whirlpool MODEL: GSS26C4XXY REFRIGERATOR: 16.4 cu. ft.
REFRIGERATOR VOLUME: Freezer Volume: 9.9 cu. ft.
ENERGY STAR: Yes DEPTH: 36“
WIDTH: 35 7/16 “ HEIGHT: 69 “
CEE TIER III: “Fast Cold” Feature
www.insideadvantage.com
Large and Lean
By tweaking engineering and fine-tuning design, engineers have developed luxury-sized refrigerators that perform like mini-chests. BY MATT POWER
REWARDS FOR RECYCLING
For about a year now, we’ve been waiting for the federal appliance trade-in program for appliances to get started. It’s now under way, but it works quite differently from the “cash for clunkers” automobile program. First, states administer the program, and the amount of money (put toward purchase of a new, Energy Star appliance) awarded is impacted by popu- lation. For example, the program might award $50 toward a new refrigerator in New York and $275 in Arkansas. Also, in some states, buyers don’t need to trade in an old appliance to get the rebate. There’s another catch. Con- sumers have to apply directly for the rebates. Appliance dealers can’t do the paperwork for them the way car dealers could with the “clunkers” program. For more information:
www.energysavers.gov
2 GreenBuilder October 2010
Refrigerators have made big energy efficiency strides since the mid 1980s. For example, a typical model from that period consumed 1200 to 1400 kWh annually, while an energy efficient one today may use just 350 kWh. That’s more than a 300% improvement. Of course the size of the
unit has a big impact on energy use. But a large unit doesn’t have to be an energy glutton, as this month’s featured product demonstrates. This 26.4-cubic-foot side- by-side refrigerator from Whirlpool con- sumes the equivalent of a 60W light bulb. It achieves that efficiency through the combination of several engineering con- cepts. For example, it includes something called “on-demand pulsed defrost,” or ADC, and “Fast Cold” temperature moni- toring and response. Also, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of dual doors and multiple crisper drawers. When opened, cold air escapes from only part of the unit. This model is also CEE Tier
3 rated. That means that the non-profit Consortium for Energy Efficiency has rated it as one of a select few products that take energy efficiency to the highest possible level. GB
www.greenbuildermag.com
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