KITCHEN APPLIANCE ENERGY SAVING TIPS

(NC) - When buying a major kitchen appliance always check the energy consumption by comparing the EnerGuide rating of various models- then choose the one with the lowest rating to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.

You could actually save energy by purchasing a new refrigerator providing you don't want too many gadgets. A new refrigerator purchased in 1999 uses 55 percent less energy than one bought in 1984, even though people are now purchasing refrigerators that are on average 16 percent larger. This improved energy efficiency has been achieved with a few relatively simple changes. The insulation is thicker, compressors are more efficient and door seals are tighter.

Although energy efficient design has been achieved in the last decade, more gadgets have been introduced that consume energy. Most refrigerator models on the retail floor have automatic defrost. So when comparing models remember the extra features, such as through the door ice and automatic icemakers, eat up extra energy. They add extra kilowatts to the refrigerator's energy rating because energy is required to freeze the water. Energy is also expended by the heater that warms the ice mold so the ice can be removed and by the motor that pushes the ice out of the mold .The compressor also requires energy to remove this extra heat from the freezer.

Tips on Other Appliances

• If you only clean your oven a few times a year, get one with a self-cleaning option. While they use energy during the cleaning process, models with this feature are better insulated than easy clean models, which means they require less energy to cook food.
• Chest freezers are more efficient than upright ones, because they retain cold air better when the door is open. The automatic defrost that comes with upright freezers uses extra energy.
• Choose a dishwasher that uses as little water as possible. Some models use twice as much water as others. Look for a dishwasher with a booster heater or "sani" setting that increases the temperature of the incoming water to 60°C, the recommended operating temperature.

For more tips on how to buy and use household appliances energy efficiently, call the toll-free line at 1-800-387-2000 for a free EnerGuide information kit. - (NC)

- From News Canada

For more "green" tips, see the Environment Canada website at:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/envhome.html