Green Machines01
The latest in energy- and water-saving appliances combine durability with smart sensors that compensate for human behavior.
WHAT MAKES IT GREEN?
DISHWASHERS
What an Energy Star Label Means
A dishwasher that qualifies for Energy Star certification uses (on average) about 10 gallons less water per load than a non-certified model and saves about $40 per year in electrical costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The biggest changes in dishwasher technology have happened out of sight-in the way the machines respond to what’s going on inside. Newer washers detect how full the racks are, how dirty the plates are, and whether rinse water is clean enough to be re-used in another cycle. Should an old dishwasher be replaced? If it’s more than 10 years old, yes, according to Appliance Magazine. Its editors cite a recent study by Reinhard Otto that found that dishwashers use only a quarter of the water and 30% less energy than units built in the 1970s. Most important, 95% of a dishwasher’s life-cycle impacts happen during the use phase.
There is one caveat, however. Otto’s study notes that a dishwasher tends to be more complex than a refrigerator or clothes washer-requiring a wider range of different materials and manufacturing processes. Given that observation, it’s important that future machines be increasingly designed for end-of-life disassembly so components can be reused and/or recycled.
NOISE KILLER
Better dishwashers include insulation that reduces noise, although recent research suggests that a dishwasher’s overall life cycle energy savings from insulation may be negligible, depending on the manufacturing process of the insulation.
FLEXIBLE POWER
Unlike the old on/off circulating pumps, variable speed pumps optimize both pressure and water volume, reducing electrical demand along with the total volume of water required for wash and rinse.
WHIRLPOOL RESOURCE SAVER DISHWASHER
The Model GU3600XTV dishwasher from Whirlpool saves up to 20 gallons per load-equivalent to about 4,300 gallons/year in a typical home. It includes several sensors that minimize the need for pre-rinsing or heat boosting, and soil sensors that detect and remove excessive foodstuffs. The units, which feature stainless steel interiors, have five wash cycles and include 36 pressurized spray nozzles for complete cleaning.
www.whirlpool.com
BOSCH 800 PLUS DISHWASHER
Using less than two gallons of water per load and 180 kWh/y of energy, the Evolution 800 Plus claims to have reset the bar “limbo low” with this dishwasher. The unit is loaded with bells and whistles, from advanced load sensors that save water, to a brushless DC (direct current) drain pump that reduces “snorkeling” noises and energy consumption. Stainless steel panels and adjustable racks encourage full loads and better cleaning.
www.bosch-home.com/us
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84