Author Gary Fairhead
Nova West Solar Inc.
07/15/2011
The washer and dryer are two most commonly forgotten appliances in the house, but their energy consumption is considerable. You may have no idea about it, but you can reduce your energy bills simply by changing a way of doing your laundry.
First of all, remember that nine tenths of the energy used by a washer comes for heating the water. Try to reduce the temperature of water and use cold water whenever possible. This will get rid of most of your washer energy consumption while not reducing the quality of laundry and your comfort level.
As for the dryer: first of all, keep its vents clean. If they get clogged, they will reduce the dryer's efficiency. Always clean the lint trap before loading the dryer and check the vent if you think drying goes slower or less efficient than usual. However, the best solution is usually just to skip the dryer. First, it saves a lot of power. Then, it adds a fresh smell to your clothing if you dry them on a clothesline instead of inside your dryer.
Do not hesitate when it comes to replacing your old washer and dryer. New models are much more energy-efficient and even though they certainly cost quite a bit, the energy, water and soap savings will make this investment pay off in a few years' time maximum.
If your current dryer is electric, consider changing to a gas dryer. Additional costs may occur by needing a gas line run to the new dryer, however, gas normally costs 5 times less than electricity!
A tip: try to avoid cleaning towels after you use it only once. A towel, if you hang it up and let it dry, can be safely re-used a few times before it gets dirty. This change may seem very simple, but it may reduce the time and energy you use for laundering your stuff by 20% a month.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Energy Star Washers
Author Gary Fairhead
Nova West Solar Inc.
07/03/2011The Washing Machine performs a fairly simple function… it cleans clothes. Yet anyone who goes to an appliance store to look at washing machines encounters what seem to be unlimited choices. Today, consumers are faced with top-loading, front-loading, high-efficiency (HE) water saver, steaming and wrinkle remover models to name only a few.
One option that no one should overlook is an energy-efficient washing machine. These machines can be identified most easily by the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines do cost slightly more than their less efficient counterparts, running from $400 to $1500, depending upon what features the consumer desires. Pay careful attention to the yellow energy guide on each individual washing machine when making a purchase.
An energy-efficient washing machine can save the typical homeowner around $50 a year or $540 to $600 over the life of the appliance. Efficient washing machines also will save more than 5,000 gallons of water a year. Careful shopping could mean that the resulting savings will pay for the washing machine over its lifetime.
The energy and water efficiencies of clothes washer are measured according to their Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and Water Factor (WF).
Front-loading clothes washers use a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing into the water, instead of rubbing clothes around a central agitator in a full tub, thus reducing the amount of hot water needed to clean clothes. A clothes washer consumes the most energy when it heats the water. Front-loading models also squeeze more water out of clothes by using spin speeds that are two to three times faster than conventional washers, thereby reducing both drying time and energy use.
Nova West Solar Inc.
07/03/2011The Washing Machine performs a fairly simple function… it cleans clothes. Yet anyone who goes to an appliance store to look at washing machines encounters what seem to be unlimited choices. Today, consumers are faced with top-loading, front-loading, high-efficiency (HE) water saver, steaming and wrinkle remover models to name only a few.
One option that no one should overlook is an energy-efficient washing machine. These machines can be identified most easily by the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines do cost slightly more than their less efficient counterparts, running from $400 to $1500, depending upon what features the consumer desires. Pay careful attention to the yellow energy guide on each individual washing machine when making a purchase.
An energy-efficient washing machine can save the typical homeowner around $50 a year or $540 to $600 over the life of the appliance. Efficient washing machines also will save more than 5,000 gallons of water a year. Careful shopping could mean that the resulting savings will pay for the washing machine over its lifetime.
The energy and water efficiencies of clothes washer are measured according to their Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and Water Factor (WF).
Front-loading clothes washers use a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing into the water, instead of rubbing clothes around a central agitator in a full tub, thus reducing the amount of hot water needed to clean clothes. A clothes washer consumes the most energy when it heats the water. Front-loading models also squeeze more water out of clothes by using spin speeds that are two to three times faster than conventional washers, thereby reducing both drying time and energy use.
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