Green machines: Energy Star appliances pack in features while saving energy

Building Products, July-August, 2002 by Katy Tomasulo

Not long ago, headlines across the country warned of soaring energy prices, rolling blackouts, and fluctuating oil costs. While the crisis passed quickly, home buyers and contractors were reminded of the value of products and practices that contribute to efficient homes and lower energy bills.

"Energy efficiency is a feature and a preference point that consumers are looking for and asking for," says Christopher Hubbuch, manager of services and public relations for KitchenAid. "It's a deciding point."

By now, the Energy Star program, which was founded in 1992 by the EPA to label energy-efficient products, has become the source consumers look to for energy information on hundreds of building products, from windows to bathroom fans to water heaters.

For major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers, home buyers have more opportunities than ever to select products that have an Energy Star rating. Dishwashers with an Energy Star label are 25 percent more efficient than minimum federal standards and washing machines are 50 percent more efficient. Last year, the federal government raised the standards for refrigerators, so new Energy Star units are at least 10 percent above that new mark.

Many Energy Star products go far beyond these requirements, equating to hundreds of dollars and thousands of gallons of water saved each year Whirlpool's new Duet front-loading washer, for example, boasts 67 percent energy savings and 68 percent water savings compared with conventional units, the firm claims. Maytag's Neptune, also a front loader, saves up to 50 percent energy and up to 10,500 gallons of water per year, says the maker.

Many Energy Star washing machines rely on sensors that detect the amount of dirt and the size of the load and adjust water levels accordingly. Both top-loading machines and front-loading (also known as horizontal-axis machines) are available with Energy Star ratings, though front loaders typically are the most efficient. Widely used in Europe, front loaders are beginning to make inroads here because they offer gentler cleaning in addition to water and energy savings.

Several dishwashers also conserve water through dirt sensors that adjust cycles and water levels. KitchenAid units have a turbidity sensor that judges the water's cleanliness, then purges the dirty water and replaces it, says the manufacturer. Bosch models feature Sensotronic, a scanning laser eye that senses water cleanliness.

Furthermore, Energy-Star rated appliances can save homeowners money by allowing for smaller loads. For example, Bosch dishwashers have a top-rack-only function while Fisher & Paykel dish drawers allow users to fill just one drawer.

FEATURE FRIENDLY

Energy Star appliances aren't just selling based on their green merits. Many of these high-end units offer an array of bells and whistles that include improved cleaning, good looks, and quieter operation.

The Whirlpool Duet washer, for example, combines large capacity with a range of specialized cleaning cycles designed to keep garments looking better longer. Asko washers feature Quick Wash, which decreases wash time without decreasing cleaning. In addition, Maytag's Neptune now includes the Stain Brain, a touchscreen with on demand stain removal information and a customizable "Favorites" option.

"Energy efficiency has really come to the forefront this year," says Julie Bundy, Maytag's manager of consumer science and information. "What's nice about these products is consumers can save energy but don't have to sacrifice anything."

Homeowners aren't the only folks who influence a dwelling's energy efficiency. "A builder can help so much in determining the overall efficiency of the home and how that home performs," says Maria Vargas, spokesperson for the Energy Star program.

With its New Home Program, Energy Star extends its recognition to entire houses that are 30 percent more efficient than the Model Energy Code. So far, about 50,000 new homes have the rating.

To learn more about the New Home Program, to research energy-efficient building techniques and products, and to find links to local resources and information about rebates, visit www.energystar.gov.

Maytag. The Neptune washer now offers the Stain Brain feature that provides on-demand removal instructions for 55 different stains--from red wine to ketchup. The "Favorites" option lets homeowners program and name their 24 most common cycles and recall them for later use. The energy-efficient washer uses 40 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than traditional units. 515-792-7000. www.maytag.com.

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KitchenAid. One of the three fully integrated dishwashers, this unit features a 28 percent larger capacity and features the whisper Quiet sound insulation system, and deep adjustable racks, a caddy for holding cutlery, a mesh sack for smaller items, and flip-away stemware holders. It's available in stainless steel, black, white, and bold colors. 800-253-3977. www.kitchenaid.com. Circle 349.