AHAM's Blog

Lose the beer fridge

According to an article in The New Zealand Herald, the government is targeting refrigerators as a way to cut back on energy use and save millions in annual electricity costs.  On average, New Zealand households have 1.8 refrigerators, and getting rid of the second fridge could save $43 million in costs over the next 20 years.  The Government spokesperson on energy efficiency and conservation and Green Party co-leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons, said that second fridges are usually kept in the garage or basement and only used on the weekends... a.k.a. a beer fridge.  Beer fridges are usually very old, very inefficient and therefore very costly to keep.  A new Energy Star qualified refrigerator uses less energy in one year than a 75 watt light bulb that is run continuously.  So if you are going to upgrade to a more efficient refrigerator, get rid of the old one instead of keeping it in the garage for your weekend gatherings.

Filter it!

An Oregon State University study, published May 30, 2007, warned of the environmental impact bottled water has on the planet.  Not only does it take energy to produce plastic containers, but filling, shipping and keeping the water cold adds to the environmental impact.    

According to the OSU news release, “Between 1978 and 2006, the consumption of bottled water in America went up 20 times, or 2,000 percent.”  Who would have thought that there would be such negative press about the healthiest beverage around?    

News in Education believes that an awareness of the issue may help drive big increases in recycling, and spur more re-usable water bottles.  It may even give consumers pause next time they are at the grocery store stocking up on bottled water. 

AHAM encourages bottled water buyers to consider a refrigerator equipped with a filtered water feature upon their next purchase.  And, for consumers who do use their in-refrigerator water filter, follow the manufacturer’s use and care guidelines for regularly replacing the filter.   Following this simple tip will keep you and the environment healthy!

EnergyGuide makes selection easier for you

Ever wonder about the big yellow label on the front of major appliances?  Next time you shop for a new major appliance, take a closer look at that label, known as the EnergyGuide.  This label details some of the important purchase factors you need to consider before buying.  This label was recently updated by the Federal Trade Commission, at the urging of manufacturers to more clearly identify the annual operating cost of the unit.   Now, in addition to annual energy consumption, you will see how much the unit will cost to operate.  Investing in an energy-saving appliance will help you lower your utility bills and more than make up for the cost of the appliance.  According to Energy Star, appliances that bare the Energy Star label will use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.

Grand Ideas

While your idea of “classic grandeur” may not be 472 sq. ft., Joyce Wadler’s New York Times article demonstrates that even if your home is less than palatial, you can still live comfortably and incorporate all your modern convenience appliances… just in smaller sizes. 

Many home appliance manufacturers offer appliances that run the gamut in size... from space-saving 18” dishwashers, 24”– 60” freestanding ranges and 27”-48” wide refrigerators.  So, no matter the size of your surroundings, there are appliances available that will meet your needs!