Cash for Kitchen Clunkers: Cash for Old Appliances Encourages Switch to Energy Efficient Living
People are looking into saving energy, and tossing out the old and in with the new. According to Energy Star, there are appliances that can replace the old energy hogs, that will help cut back on that electric bill, and are green. The cost of an Energy Star model, will be more expensive, but you will save “10 to 50% less energy and water then standard models” according to the Energy Star website. What you have to look for is, the Energy Star Yellow label, which will tell you the estimated amount of energy the appliance uses. This sticker will also let you know the low end usage and high end usage of similar models. Keep in mind that energy usage also depends on your local utility company rates, and your source of energy, such as electric or wind power.
My spouse and I are looking into replacing our refrigerator, we went to my local home improvement store, which is one place where you can buy Energy Star appliances, you can also find them at any Sears, Lowes, and other appliance outlet stores. Energy Star appliances, are found basically in the refrigerator, dishwashers, and freezers. There is no energy star rating on microwaves, or electric stoves, as I was told by the salesman. In looking at several makes, sizes, and models, there is an energy star appliance available for people in the price range of $440 on up to $2000. Here is what I found.
Hotpoint Refrigerator 18.2 Cu Ft.- $499.00
This model number is HTS18GBSWW. This model is your standard top freezer bottom refrigerator. The temperature controls are nicely positioned at the front, it offers adjustable glass shelves, door storage for milk, a can storage for your colas, standard crisper drawer for vegetables, and the plus option is, a condenser coil which is encased for never having to clean them. According to the Energy Star Label, this appliance uses 480 kWh, cost per year to operate $44.00.
Maytag 21 Cu Ft Refrigerator.- $699.00
This model number is MTF2142EEW.This model is your standard top freezer/bottom refrigerator. It offers a little more, hence the increase in price such as: easier to clean split adjustable shelves, with spill catcher. The spill catcher contains the spills as so it the liquid does not go onto food on the shelves below. This model has a ice maker installed, and has 2 crisper drawers. The Energy Star Label rated this model at 416, using $44.00 a year to operate.
LG 27 Cu Ft Refrigerator-$1349.00
This model number is LSC27931ST. Being a higher end make and model, this refrigerator offers allot of nice options.This model is a side by side unit. It comes with a tall water dispenser, space saving ice maker in the freezer, hidden hinges, 3 spill protector glass shelves, 5 freezer shelving, freezer door bins, and is very spacious. The outside it is equipped with a LED display for temperature room adjustment, child lock, and even water filter status. The Energy Star rating on this model is 590.
Dishwashers:
Americana Built In Dishwasher- $199.00
This model number is ADW1100NBB. This is a basic dishwasher you may find in many rentals or apartments. It is a 1 cycle dishwasher with a 4 level power scrub system. It also has a 100% water filtration system. Being a lower priced model, the quality is also lower. The door is not as sturdy, I felt when open and closing it several times. But if your on a tight budget and want a dishwasher, it is suitable. The Energy Star rating on this model is 337 kWh.
Maytag Jet clean Built in Tall tub Steam Clean Dishwasher- $629.00
This model number is MDBH980AWS. This model was nice. It has allot of options like a stainless steel tub, steam clean,sanitize, Hi-Temperature wash, time delay start, and touch control pads. The workmanship on this model is very impressive. Open and closing the door several times, you can feel the quality of the machine. The Energy Star label rated this unit at 312, with total usage per year estimated at $34.00.
LG Tall Tub Dishwasher- $699.00
This model number is LDF6920ST. This model is nice. It has a large stainless steel tub, with a built in food dispenser. I liked the hidden control panel, which you can not see with door shut, just leaving a clean outside display. Besides having a Lo-Decibel Quiet system on board, it is equipped with a hybrid condensing drying system for faster dry, and better energy savings. It also has a delay start , 4 wash cycles, and the unit has 3 spray arms. It is very sleek and would accent anyones kitchen. Again, the quality of the workmanship is exceptional. The Energy Star label rated this unit at 308 kWh, with total usage per year at $38.00
Keep in mind, that energy is going to vary according to size, and features. The salesman at the home improvement store, helped me pick these appliances, according to price, and the energy used. I used the lower end models, as well as the higher end models, simply because not every one is in the position to go out and spend allot of money. There is an Energy Star range hood that is made by Broan. I could not find any in the store to actually evaluate or to ask questions about. But they can be found at www.Broan.com . For people in all monetary situations, and budgets, you can purchase a energy efficient appliance. Remember to recycle your old appliance as well. On the Energy Star website, there is a link to possible rebates offered on purchasing Energy Star applicances.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_energy_guide
Source : New Kitchen Appliance
