DISHWASHERS QUIET AND EFFICIENT
Energy savings and water savings are closely linked; the more hot water you use in your appliances, the higher your energy bills. Dishwashers produced before 1994 typically use 10 gallons per load more water than modern units. Considering that the average home washes over 300 loads per year, reducing the amount of water used can quickly lower utility bills. Dishwashers that offer cycle selections and energy-saving options can help reduce the amount of water you use.
To dissolve detergent and remove grease, dishwashers require extremely hot water. Many dishwashers now come with a “booster” or internal heating element that raises the incoming water temperature to the required 140 F.
This can allow you to lower the temperature on your water heater and still allow your dishwasher to operate at optimum levels. Some dishwashers offer the booster cycle but only if you select “heavy duty.”
Besides energy and water savings, noise is also something to consider. Measured in decibels (dB) the amount of sound a dishwasher makes during operation can either make for a pleasant or annoying purchase.
Normal conversation levels range around 60dB, so choosing a unit that is quieter than that is important. Because of advances in insulation and sound proofing, some dishwashers can be “whisper quiet,” creating as little as 41dB during operation. That is the just slightly louder than the hum of your refrigerator.
WHAT TO KNOW
> Dishwashers have two EnergyGuide cost labels: one for consumers who use electric water heaters and one for natural gas users.
> Boost heaters generally increase the cost of the unit, but the energy savings can pay for the upgrade in about one year.
> Dishwashers fall into two categories—compact and standard.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS KNOW THE LINGO
> Modified Energy Factor (MEF)
MEF is the official energy efficiency metric used to compare relative efficiencies of different clothes washers. MEF considers the energy used to run the washer, heat the water and run the dryer. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the clothes washer.
> Water Factor (WF)
WF is a measurement of water efficiency that is calculated as gallons of water used per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the number the more water efficient the clothes washer.
> High Efficiency (HE)
HE is used to describe clothes washers that typically use 50% less water than traditional units. Special low-sudsing detergent is used with these models.
> EnergyGuide Label
This yellow label created by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is on most home appliances and will help you compare the energy use (and cost) of operating one appliance relative to another.
> Induction Cooking
Induction heating elements heat only the pan and its contents and offer energy efficiency by reducing wasted heat when compared to radiant and gas cooktops. The actual induction element stays cool, while the metal pot or pan up rapidly making induction heating safer and more energy efficient than traditional cooking methods.
> Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)
The CEE is a consortium of efficiency program administrators from across the United States and Canada who evaluate and rate appliances, electronics and HVAC systems on energy efficiency.
www.cee1.org
> Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
HCFC-based refrigerants are the most common type of refrigerant used in the United States today and are considered significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
RANGES AND OVENS SMART COOKING SAVES ENERGY
Refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry units may be considered “major” appliances, but they aren’t the only units you may have to purchase or replace. Thoughtful selection of ranges, ovens, cooktops, microwaves and range hoods can help reduce energy use while improving the quality of life around your home.
Ranges. The kitchen range is a dual oven/cooktop and is available in electric, natural gas and dual-fuel. The benefit of a dual-fuel range is that it has the benefits of gas burners on the cooktop but offers the stable temperatures of oven cooking with electricity. Cooktops are also available using electrical induction, which creates a magnetic field that heats pans. With induction cooking, the pot or pan heats up directly as opposed to traditional electric resistance coils, which use conduction to transfer heat.
This GE induction range creates a magnetic field that concentrates the heat only on the pot, keeping the kitchen cooler and saving energy.
Microwaves. Often an afterthought when finishing a kitchen, microwaves can create a more energy efficient and comfortable kitchen when used properly. Energy consumption can be reduced by up to 80% when smaller portions are heated up in the microwave instead of the oven. Also, using a microwave instead of the oven will reduce the amount of heat generated in the kitchen.
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