Re: [GBlist] Re: green appliances

[deumling@socrates.Berkeley.EDU]

On Sun, 24 Mar 2002, Marilyn wrote:
> that insulation has to be put someplace.  So, plan on a larger space if
> you're getting an efficient fridge.


I'm going to have to disgree a wee bit with Marylin, because an important
little fact, which all the guides to green appliances so far mentioned
omit, is that the smaller the appliance (and the fewer the features) the
less energy it will consume--all else being equal.  This (using less
energy) is not always the same thing as energy efficiency, and so cannot
easily be made to conform to the principles underlying what ACEEE does in
its little guides.

The fridges which consume the least amount of energy are still those which
the guides so far mentioned don't even list--those with less than 14 cubic
feet of space inside.  Fridges ranging in size from 7-14 c.f. used to be
recommended to households of virtually all sizes (in the US), but with the
energy efficiency kick this has gone out of style.  Sanyo makes some
models in the middle of this range that use less than 350 kWh/yr (as
tested) but which in a cool kitchen/climate can easily fall to half that.
And they only cost $300 or thereabouts.  No better way to realize a quick
simple payback than that!

On washing machines, European front loader models (Miele, Bosch, Asko)
cost way more but tend to use about half as much water per load as do
front loader US made models (Frigidaire, Maytag).  Unfortunately the
European models also come with internal electric heating elements to boil
the water (if you're so inclined).  And I don't know whether it is
possible to dial out the booster heaters when washing at lower
temperatures.

Reuben Deumling



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