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DOE and EPA use the Energy Star program to promote the sale of eco-friendly kitchen appliances. Most of us have seen yellow stickers with the energy star logo, but do you know what these stickers mean? To qualify as Energy Star, a device must use 10% to 66% less energy and / or water than other models. However, this cannot degrade the quality of the device or discard the added features. This is one of the best ways to find out about the greenest appliances that consume the least energy. Here are a few more tips for what to look for in your devices:
Ovens and ovens
Induction – A cast iron or stainless steel pot is placed above the induction coil of the stove. This stimulates the molecules in the dish and generates heat. Note: The process does not work with glass pots and aluminum reduces efficiency. Induction cooking is not only more energy efficient, but also faster. The induction cooker heats the pot only directly above it. It does not heat the air or the surfaces around it. Induction cooking has an efficiency rate of 84%. Typical gas stoves are around 40%. This is one of my favorite ecological kitchen appliances.
Hybrid Solar Ovens- Solar ovens reach a temperature of around 400 degrees. Complete solar furnaces do not require any electricity. They rely solely on solar solar energy. The hybrid version works on the same principle, but has a back-up electricity supply when there is no possibility of using solar energy.
Fridge and freezer
Side by side refrigerators consume around 10% more energy than the top and bottom options. Avoid ice makers as they use electricity to make ice. Also, avoid automatic defrosters and heaters. The refrigerator accounts for approximately 15% of the total electricity bill. So, if you can’t buy all of your eco-friendly kitchen appliances at once, buy the former. Read the yellow and black “energy guide label”. It will tell you how much energy each brand and model consumes.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers use about a sixth of the water and soap and about half the energy of washing by hand. Look for a dishwasher with a booster heater and electric dryer on / off function. You may think that a smaller motor will reduce energy consumption, but using a larger motor will prevent your dishwasher from running a second cycle. Smaller motors do not have the power to spray for cleaning heavily soiled dishes. Also look for water-saving models. Some of them use half the water of a regular dishwasher and have automatic sensors that determine the degree of soiling of the dishes.
Remember – the price of eco-friendly kitchen appliances may be higher, but it will not take long to pay for the extra cost of the appliance. In 2006, Energy Star appliances saved consumers fourteen billion dollars in utility bills. Energy guide labels are required on all devices. So use the information and compare several brands and models. Also inquire about federal tax credits for retrofitting Energy Star appliances.