Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

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Hurry! Electricity companies’ ‘Fridge Farewell’ program ending soon

August 13, 2010

I’ve blogged before about the expense of keeping an elderly refrigerator or freezer in use simply because it still works.

I bet you wouldn’t be doing that if you realized you were paying up to $150 per year in energy costs to keep it humming.

Well, it’s the last month many energy providers, including Connexus Energy and Dakota Electric Association, not only will haul away and recycle your refrigerator for free but give you $35.

image courtesy Arca Inc.

But there are still plenty of ongoing refrigerator and freezer “bounty” programs (Xcel’s program is ongoing, as far as I can tell) though your ability to participate depends on your utility company.

Is your utility company offering a bounty?

Check here and here.

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Posted in Budget-wise, Energy Efficiency, Refrigerator, Sustainability | Comments Off

Loud refrigerator? We hear ya

July 7, 2010

Image: maxabout.com

If you’ve replaced your refrigerator within the last several years, your shiny new model might be making its presence known in noisier way.

Why?

For one, foam insulation — often used to make these appliances more energy-efficient — lacks the sound-baffling capabilities of fiberglass insulation incorporated into previous energy hogs.

Here’s some other “normal” sounds to expect, along with their abnormal counterparts:

Evaporator coil

A boiling, surging or gurgling sound as the compressor starts and stops. Also, a pop as the evaporator expands and contracts after defrosting.

Evaporator fan

The sound of air being forced through the unit is normal, but a continuous ticking or even intermittent squealing is abnormal.

Defrost heater

Sizzling or hissing sound from water dropping onto the heater during defrost cycle

Compressor

Newer fridges’ compressors are much more efficient and run much faster, giving off a high-pitched hum, whine or pulse. But watch out for clicking during start up (especially if the lights dim), banging or knocking during start or stop, a ping or snap followed by the compressor stopping.

Cold control and defrost timer

A snapping or ticking sound as the refrigerator turns on and off

Plastic liner

Cracking or popping as the temperatures change

Drain pan

Running water during or after the defrost cycle

Water valve

Buzzing, clicking or running water as the icemaker fills or water is dispensed

Icemaker

Cracking of ice and cubes dropping into the bin

Condenser fan

Air being forced over the condenser is normal, but squealing from the motor is abnormal.

Condenser

You should hear a surging or gurgling sound from the flow of refrigerant when the compressor runs, but an improperly placed drain pan could cause rattling.

If the normal sounds bother you, consider a piece of rubber-backed carpet for underneath the fridge. You could even put sound absorbing materials inside the cabinet if the refrigerator sits in an enclosure.

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Posted in Appliance Design, customer service, Energy Efficiency, FAQ, Refrigerator | Comments Off

New blog series: Things I Want

June 4, 2010

I’ll be moving into my new house this week and — more importantly — I’ll be inheriting another’s appliance choices.

The kitchen, as pictured in the listing.

Right now, that consists of:

One by one (or two), I’ll replace each of the appliance, either to improve efficiency and performance or because one simply konks out. And in the case of the fridge, that could be sooner rather than later…

Appliances don’t come cheap, and though I get a discount on them, they’re still an investment. So I’ll have to decide where to spend my money and where to save.

Because it’s dominating my thoughts the last few days, I’m going to channel my forthcoming appliance purchases into a series of blog posts called “Things I Want.” I’ll write them based on what I’d pick if I were going shopping today.

My criteria considers performance, features, aesthetics, durability, efficiency, price and warranty — not equally, however. And they all must be sold at Warners’ Stellian, obviously. But there’s really nothing I’d want that we don’t sell.

I’ll split it into two categories,  one aspirational and the other more achievable. I’m trying to think of what to call each category, and I keep thinking I’m ripping “Desired/Acquired” from something. But until I find out for sure…

Look for the first “Things I Want” post Monday.

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Posted in Appliance Design, Best, Budget-wise, Energy Efficiency | 4 Comments »

Get paid to have your second fridge hauled away

June 2, 2010

How much are you paying for your pop fridge?

When I closed on my house last week, I asked the former homeowners question that wrinkled their noses.

“How old was that fridge in your basement?”

They looked confused but told me, “We probably shouldn’t be using anyway, I guess. It was such a pain to move. I don’t know…1960s, I think.”

My jaw DROPPED.

My energy stat knowledge doesn’t go back farther than ’70s models, which cost about $278 per year to run. So a fridge from the ’60s must cost at least $300 to run. That’s some pretty expensive beer they’re cooling.

I think many people don’t unplug their ancient second fridge because they don’t know how to get rid of it.

And certainly most homeowners don’t know that many utility companies pay them money to come pick it up!

Xcel Energy is among the local utility companies with a refrigerator recycling program that offers $35 to pick up a working second refrigerator. Some also run this program for freezers. Of course, you must be a customer of the utility to participate.

Some utilities, like Minnesota Power, up the ante to $50 to get you to give up that beer fridge. Even if you use the money towards a new refrigerator (if you use Rochester Public Utilities, you can get up to $75 for replacing and recycling a refrigerator), your energy usage on the new unit will likely be significantly reduced.

Here’s a complete list of refrigerator bounty programs from the Office of Energy Security.

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Posted in Budget-wise, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Vintage Appliance | 1 Comment »

Are stainless steel appliances an environmental no-no?

May 19, 2010

Stainless steel has become the standard finish for many when replacing kitchen appliances.

The growing popularity of commercial ranges like Viking and Wolf ranges introduced stainless steel to the kitchen.

And soon homeowners wanted to coordinate the clean, contemporary look with refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves.

But environmental concerns wisely also influence purchasing decisions today.

The Star Tribune’s Fixit columnist, Karen Youso, posed the question of whether stainless steel appliances should worry eco-conscious consumers.

Her answer, happily, is no:

Stainless steel can be — and is — recycled. (According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, new stainless-steel products are made from about 60 percent recycled stainless.) Its alternative, enameled steel, also is recyclable, so stainless steel isn’t significantly better or worse for the environment.

But materials aren’t all that important when trying to determine how earth-friendly home appliances are. What matters most is energy efficiency, said Lise Laurin, founder of EarthShift, a Vermont company that works with corporations and institutions on sustainability.

Of course, we recycle replaced appliances for free on most purchases, so you can feel comfortable about upgrading to stainless steel. Just make them Energy Star appliances.

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Posted in Appliance Design, Design, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability | Comments Off

The bad habit that can waste 20 gallons of water

May 17, 2010

You might not wash your dishes before you wash your dishes, but even rinsing is completely unnecessary.

Energy Star, a joint program by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, cautions people to scrape, not rinse. Pre-rinsing dishes can waste up to 20 gallons of water.

Energy Star dishwashers and today’s detergents are designed to do the cleaning so you don’t have to pre-rinse.

And if your dirty dishes are going to sit overnight, use your dishwasher’s rinse feature. It uses a fraction of the water needed to hand rinse.

Speaking of a using a fraction of the water, a dishwasher built before 1994 wastes about 8 gallons of water per cycle compared to owning a new Energy Star-qualified model. So if you replace one of these old dishwashers with an Energy Star dishwasher, you’re saving enough water each week to wash two loads of laundry in an Energy Star qualified clothes washer.

So be lazy: scrape, don’t rinse!

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Posted in Cleaning, Dishwashers, Energy Efficiency, FAQ | 2 Comments »

Upcoming events: Cooking classes, home tours and kitchen workshops

May 10, 2010

I noticed when updating our Special Events Calendar that there’s so much great stuff going on during the next two weeks, an upcoming events roundup was due.

Check out events calendar, let me know if there’s anything else that you think should be listed there. (I’m not just saying this because I update it) It’s a great place to find out about cooking classes, home tours,  expos, seminars and design events, etc.

Metro Magazine Green Home Happy Hours


Photo courtesy Metro Magazine

Hosted by Metro Magazine Wednesdays in May from 5:30-8, the Green Home Happy Hours give you a chance to eat and drink delicious (and free) refreshments while snooping around the gorgeous sustainable home in which its hosted that week.

I went last week and not only had a blast, but I learned a few green tips I can incorporate into my own home.

ASID Showcase Home Tour

This year, for the price of one ticket, you have the unique opportunity to see two homes located just minutes from each other. Though the homes share the same essential locale and each has lake views that inspired 26 ASID designers, the two are distinct in many ways.

The Lake of the Isles turn-of-the-century home is designed for a world traveler. The brand new Calhoun condo is designed for a future homeowner who appreciates clean-lined, sophisticated spaces.

Warners’ Stellian is a sponsor of this year’s event, and we supplied the appliances for both houses.

The tour kicks off Saturday, May 15 and runs Wednesdays through Sundays until June 13.

My suggestion would be to check out one of the various Culinary Nights, featuring food from chefs from local popular restaurants.

Marrakech Cooking Class

The next two Saturdays at two Warners’ Stellian stores, lifestyle expert Ross Sveback will be teaching Moroccan cooking, with recipes inspired specifically by the region of Marrakech.

You’ll start with a sample of salads scented with spices such as cumin and chili powder and then learn to cook:

  • Pot-Roasted Eggplant Salad with Tomatoes, Smoked Paprika and Cumin
  • Moroccan Beef Stew, fragrant with saffron, ginger and turmeric served with Noodles tossed in Sea Salt and Cinnamon
  • Pears, poached in Orange and Clove syrup served with pitted prunes
  • Semolina Pancakes drizzled with Pure Comb Honey
Warners’ Stellian Edina on May 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Warners’ Stellian St.Paul on May 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cost of the class is $50, please reserve your spot by contacting  ross@kon-tent.com

Kitchen Design Remodel Planning Party


An example of a College City remodeled kitchen

Thinking about a remodel? Need some fresh kitchen ideas? Award-winning remodeler and custom home builder College City is hosting another kitchen design seminar Thursday, May 20 at Warners’ Stellian St. Paul.

You’ll get designers perspectives and practical examples as well as an executive chef’s point of view on high-functioning kitchen design (and the chef will also do a cooking demo, so there will be food involved…).

Cost vs. value comparisons on remodeling projects will be presented for those wanting to get the most bang for their buck. I’ve heard good things about this event so far, and College City has a great reputation within the remodeling industry.

The seminar is free but limited to 30 people, so RSVP at http://www.collegecityremodeling.com or call 952-469-6900.

Donate Shoes For Kids through May 23

How can a child focus on learning when she doesn’t have decent shoes? Sadly, that’s the story with a number of students in St. Paul schools.

We’re proud to be a drop-off site for Shoes For Kids, which is collecting gently used shoes for children in grades K-6. Your donations will benefit students of North End, Daytons Bluff, John A. Johnson and Bruce Vento schools who can’t afford an adequate pair of shoes.

Donations will be accepted through May 23 at all Warners’ Stellian stores, Abetto’s Deli and the Eastside Family Center.

Posted in About Warners' Stellian, cooking, Energy Efficiency, Events, Kitchen Design, Remodel | Comments Off

Bosch dishwasher is best-selling model

April 30, 2010

I stress to customers the importance of selecting a product based on individual personal needs, rather than simply following Consumer Reports or a friend’s suggestion.

These sources can help validate a decision, but ultimately, your lifestyle is not your friend’s lifestyle — and I’m sure it’s certainly not Consumer Report’s lifestyle.

Saying that, I think it’s interesting to know what we sell the most of in each category. And in dishwashers, it’s the Bosch Evolution 300 series (models SHE43P02UC white or SHE43P05UC stainless steel).

It makes sense for the value. This European dishwasher is packed with features for $600 (stainless costs $100 more):

  • Energy Star qualified
  • Engineered to be super quiet (52 dBa)
  • 14-place setting capacity, with adjustable upper rack for taller pots, etc.
  • 4 wash cycles, including 30-minute Quick Wash
  • OptiDry for spotless drying
  • NSF Certified – Eliminates 99.9% of Bacteria

Of course there are a ton more features, but I’m only highlighting the ones I found most interesting.

And some features require more explanation, mostly because they’re branded (note the ™) with names that don’t really explain what they do, like AquaStop™.

So, for those keeping score at home, AquaStop™ detects leaks in the solid molded base of the dishwasher, shuts down operation and automatically pumps out water before contact with floors. Some won’t understand why this is important. And the rest of you had to replace an entire kitchen’s worth of hardwood floors and cabinetry due to leaking. Trust me: it’s important.

The Flow-Through Heater™ warms water (up to 161 degrees) more efficiently by having it flow through a heating chamber. Other manufacturers use conventional heating elements where water falls randomly onto a coil, warming it inefficiently. This is bad.

And, for the smart feature with the stupid name win: EcoSense™. Standard dishwashers constantly bring fresh water into the dishwasher, which could be completely unnecessary — the water might not be that dirty. So Bosch, being the energy efficient thinker it is, put a sensor in that checks to see how clean or dirty the water is and decides whether a fresh water refill  is necessary and will customize the selected cycle to the individual load of dishes.

Again, this might not be the dishwasher for you, but there are a ton of different Bosch dishwashers so perhaps you might find that works best for you.

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Posted in Best, Cleaning, Dishwashers, Energy Efficiency | 1 Comment »

What to replace first in a new home

April 26, 2010

This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

When moving into a house, you inherit the appliances of the previous owner (or maybe from the owner before the previous owner).

One of my main priorities when I move into my first house in June will be to begin replacing the appliances — starting with the washing machine.

Why?

1) Because I work at an appliance store, of course.

2) Replacing an existing washer on average yields bigger savings than any other major home appliance.

And 3) Just because the existing washer works, per se, doesn’t mean it’s working in my favor.

It amazed me that a house with so many energy-efficient upgrades (windows, lights, HVAC, ceiling fans) still had an old, top-loader washer. I swear I saw a black hole hovering near the water hoses and electrical cord because those things waste a MASSIVE amount of water and energy. (Don’t get me started on the 40-year-old beer refrigerator.)

The existing top-load washer comes “free” with the house, but really, it will cost me.

A 10-year-old clothes washer wastes $135 in water and energy costs each year versus a new, Energy Star-qualified washer. It uses tens of gallons of water more to wash a much smaller load with noticeably reduced clean-ability. Does that sound like it works? No.

But just buying any new washer won’t deliver the same savings. Though more expensive at first, Energy Star washers save an average of $55 per year, which means the upgrade pays for itself in less than five years.

Replacing a refrigerator can save $100 per year, and replacing a dishwasher can save $40 per year, but if I had to pick one, a new Energy Star washer offers the best return on investment.

Posted in Budget-wise, Energy Efficiency, laundry | 5 Comments »

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