Appliance shoppers look for the 'Energy Star'

When it comes to shopping for appliances, the "Star" shines brightest.
"In our latest survey, we found 84 percent of consumers said energy use -- not water or time -- was the most important factor when it comes to appliance efficiency," said Monica Teague of Whirlpool, the world's top manufacturer of home appliances. "I find that fascinating."
Nearly three-quarters of appliance shoppers look for the "Energy Star," a labeling program started by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992.
Since 2000, more than 2 billion Energy Star products have been sold, according to the EPA. Last year, those Energy Star appliances saved U.S. households more than $19 billion in energy costs, the EPA estimates.
One of the biggest energy-saving effects households can make is to replace older appliances with newer models, experts say. For example, replacing a typical refrigerator made before 1990 will save $200 or more a year.
"The fridge is the No. 1 energy hog," Teague said. But debuting this spring is "the most efficient side-by-side refrigerator ever. It uses less electricity than a 60-watt light bulb."
Besides its namesake brand, Whirlpool also markets Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana and other major brand names.
While finding more ways to save energy, Whirlpool tweaked its Amana refrigerators with a new line of cool door designs and colors, ranging from pretty "Pink Lemonade" to bold patterns.
In addition, the company is introducing a self-steam-cleaning range that uses 1 1/4 cups water (instead of heating up 800 degrees or using harsh chemical cleaners) and a microwave that also grills, bakes and roasts while saving time and energy.
In the current economy, more households are focusing on their kitchen time, Teague added. "If you spend more time at home, it becomes more important to make your place comfortable and happy, a place you want to be.
"And if you can save money and energy, too, it's a beautiful thing."

(Contact Debbie Arrington at darrington(at)sacbee.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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