Appliance Design - April 2009 - (Page 6) NEwS watch consumers crave Efficiency ore than 8 out of 10 consumers say that energy efficiency is the most important feature for them when it comes to home appliances, and nearly three quarters say they actively look for the Energy Star label when making purchasing decisions, according to a survey conducted for Whirlpool. In fact, when asked what product they would include in their dream kitchen, ecoefficient appliances beat out other items as their top choice. However, while consumer demand for eco-products is high, the understanding of their benefits vary between men and women, married and single, young and old. The survey revealed that married or previously married consumers appear to understand the benefits of using eco-efficient products more so than their single counterparts. In fact, 77 percent of married consumers say they look for the Energy Star label when purchasing appliances versus only 59 percent of unmarried consumers. In addition, 61 percent of married consumers and 64 percent of previously married cLIMatE chaNGE RESOLUtIONS. M whirlpool Duet high-efficiency Duet washer and matching dryer in the color Cranberry. consumers say they understand what high efficiency (HE) means in terms of laundry appliances compared to 51 percent of unmarried consumers. When it comes to gender, it is widely assumed that women are “greener,” but this survey does not bear that out. According to this survey, 71 percent of men aged 35 to 44 were more attuned to high-efficiency laundry products as compared to 54 percent of women of the same age group. In terms of age, the majority of consumers age 18 to 44 said they wanted a high-efficiency washer in their dream laundry room, while consumers older than 45 said they preferred clothes washers and dryers that are more ergonomically friendly. Increasingly, manufacturers are designing products to cater to this older age group, which makes up half of the nation’s purfor increased education of policy makers and the public, the creation and dissemination of methods and tools for environmental assessment of refrigeration systems, the publication of technical information highlighting best practices from a safety, reliability, and efficiency standpoint; and the promotion of natural refrigerants through seminars and publications. To see the document, visit www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments. chasing power. The features that appeal to older consumers include pedestals that raise the height of clothes washers and dryers to reduce bending, and controls with large knobs and audible cycle signals for those with limited vision or arthritis. The researchers also questioned consumers regarding front-load washers and energy efficiency. Among those surveyed, 44 percent said they did not know if top-load washers use more energy than front-loaders, and 38 percent believe that they do. In fact, according to the survey, high efficiencies are available in both top and front-load configurations. As compared to conventional top loaders, the high efficiency top loading models use up to 67 percent less energy and 70 percent less water, and front-loading models use up to 77 percent less energy and 73 percent less water. < The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers has released two statements regarding its position on refrigerants and the environment. In a new position document, ASHRAE outlines its support for research, assessment, and strategic growth in the use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, air, and water in refrigeration systems and technologies. The association has committed to increasing the use and development of natural refrigerants and the consideration of them in existing and new guidelines, codes, and standards. The group also calls 6 applianceDESIGN April 2009 ENERLOGIc ENLaRGED. Manitowoc Foodservice, Manitowoc, Wis., has folded its energy conservation program, EnergyMizer, into the EnerLogic software program that was developed by Enodis. Manitowoc acquired Enodis in 2008. The EnergyMizer program recognized third-party standards for energy conservation for Manitowoc walk-in freezers and coolers, and more recently water conservation standards for icemakers. The reason the company is consolidating under EnerLogic program is that it has a broader reach with standards for gas, as well as electricity and water. The program considers third-party standards such as the California Energy Commission rebate standard; Energy Star rating; www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments http://www.appliancedesign.com
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