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Are you still using those avocado green appliances that look like they came straight out of Carol Brady's kitchen?

03.20.2006

Submitted by idealbite on Mon, 03/20/2006 - 6:00pm.
The Bite:
All green is not created equal. Ditch the inefficient washer and dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers for better appliances and you’ll save water, energy and best of all - some cold, hard cash.
The Benefits: 
  • Most full-sized Energy Star qualified washers use 18-25 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine, using close to half of the energy.
  • Newer dishwashers use up to 25% less energy.  To get the most out of the appliance, only run it when full (OK, stating the obvious there...).
  • Refrigerators are typically the most energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new Energy Star qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for more than four and a half months.
  • Cut back on energy costs even more with a top-freezer refrigerator model.  Side by side refrigerator-freezer models use 7-13% more energy, and if they use automatic ice-makers, they use 14-20% more energy.
Personally Speaking: 
Jen is a huge fan of her Sedona Kenmore Elite clothes washer (mainly due to the sassy color); Heather has the most inefficient apartment in Brooklyn and is badgering her landlord for a new dishwasher.
Wanna Try: 

Cocktail Fact

The refrigerator is America's most used appliance (surprise, surprise).

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters switched to more efficient Energy Star washing machines, they’d collectively save between 150,000 to 220,000 gallons of water per load.

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GREEN IRENE/MIDDLETOWN  on March 20, 2009 at 05:36 AM 1
I just need to say that a refrigerator with the freezer at the bottom, (French door style) is even more energy efficient due to the fact that cold drops to the bottom naturally keeping your freezer as cold as it should be with less energy needed.
Shelby  on March 20, 2009 at 08:00 AM 2
Okay, so I totally get that these nicer, newer home appliances use lots less energy, but what I don't get is if we all replace what we already have and use, aren't we wasting our money (if these old appliances still work well)? And, aren't we doing more damage to our planet when most of these old appliances are tossed into landfills or disposed of improperly? I'm confused as to which is truly the better, GREENER option here?!!?
Ray Fontanes  on March 23, 2009 at 07:08 PM 3
It makes perfect sence that the freezer on the bottum (Draw like) would be the most efficient type. My neighbor just bought one. I was shock to find that once opened, there are holes on the sides that let all the cold air fall the the ground just like any other type. Stupid design.
Rich U  on April 08, 2009 at 11:30 AM 4
I get where you're coming from with the heat rises and cold falls... but wouldn't it be logical to look at it from the point that if the freezer is on top then the cold would also fall onto the refrigerator section helping keep that even colder? With the freezer on top, with it being colder than the refrigerator, the cold falling would have more of an effect on the fridge? Just thought I'd throw that thought out there. Please reply with any other points you may have. Thank you. :)
EddyJhon  on August 08, 2009 at 12:52 AM 5
I'm confused as to which is truly the better, GREENER option here?!!? PhD history | Computer diploma | English degree
Symond  on August 08, 2009 at 12:53 AM 6
I was shock to find that once opened, there are holes on the sides that let all the cold air fall the the ground just like any other type. Journalism degree | Music degree
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Bill Gassett  on November 07, 2009 at 01:30 PM 8
I love the title of your article! As a Realtor covering Franklin MA Real Estate, I am very familiar with the green movement. I often mention to my clients some of the things they can do around their homes to make them more energy efficient.

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