Water
and Energy Conserving Appliances
Energy Star
clothes washers are now readily available in a wide range of capacities:
they clean clothes as well or better than standard washers, accommodate
bulkier loads, and are gentler to clothes since they do not use
central agitators. Initial costs are currently higher; but the
payback as a result of reduced energy and water costs is typically
between two and three years.
In residential
buildings, specify that all washing machines will be Energy Star
compliant, with an Energy Rating (ER) of 2.6 or greater, for more
than a 20% reduction in water and energy costs.
Energy Star
dishwashers also use less hot water to clean - up to 40% less.
Advanced designs automatically sense the condition of the dishes,
and adjust water temperature and cycle duration to optimize both
cleanliness and water consumption. Built-in booster water heaters
assure sterilization when desired.
In non-restaurant
commercial and institutional applications, specify that all dishwashers
will be Energy Star compliant, with an ER of 0.55 or greater,
for more than a 20% reduction in water and energy costs.
Cautions
- Appliance
technology is evolving rapidly; monitor product performance
and price improvements.
- Match
clothes washer
capacity with the expected use; many horizontal-axis washers
take smaller loads than standard washers.
