Use the link below to read the entire press release by GE.

GE Press Release

Louisville, Kentucky – GE Consumer & Industrial announced today that it is introducing a program that will provide the next step in home energy cost savings for consumers while helping utility companies better manage the demand for energy during peak energy usage times.

''Now that ENERGY STAR® appliances are recognized by 75 percent of American consumers, the next step is to reshape when energy is being used,'' said Kevin Nolan, Vice President Technology for GE Consumer & Industrial. .............

http://www.geconsumer...._smartappliances.htm/

This particular press release caught our eye because of one statement - 75% of Americans now recognize the phrase Energy Star. This is a far cry from a few years ago and really highlights the awareness that not only the major appliance companies have worked to achieve - but also the media and small little blogs like this one!

The more we cumulatively talk about ways that we can save money while helping conserve energy, the more people will pass along the word. This has been proven time and time again. As a matter of fact, it is the American public that pushes major companies to rethink the way they manufacturer, market and build products.

Hurray to GE and the Utility companies and Hurray to the American consumer. Each day we get one step closer to a greener, more energy efficient America!

Labels: Energy Star Appliances, Green Appliance

Earth Day this year affected me more than usual. Little things can help preserve our earth for our children and grandchildren. I compiled a list of "appliance-related" items to help conserve energy and the earth.

• In the market for a new appliance? When you buy an appliance, you commit to paying both the first cost and the operating cost for as long as you own it. And over the life of an appliance, the energy cost to run it can be many times greater than the first cost. So it pays to buy an energy-efficient appliance.
• Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water or baking soda and water for cleaning your appliances.
• Don’t use electric tools and appliances when hand-operated ones will do the job.
• Air-dry laundry when possible. Only use your dryer when needed.
• Avoid keeping refrigerator or freezer too cold. Government recommended temperature for fresh food is 38 degrees F. For freezers it’s 5 degrees F.
• Don’t use excessive amounts of detergent. Presoak dirty laundry. Washing Machine parts
• Install water-conserving showerheads and sink-faucet aerators.
• Insulate your water heater. Turn it down to 121 degrees F.
• Visit the hardware store. Buy low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescent light bulbs, as needed. These can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. Northern Tool Coupons
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator to reduce cooking times and to ensure food safety.
• Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.
• Use small electric pans and ovens to reduce energy use. Believe it or not, when burner pans become blackened from heavy use, they can absorb a lot of heat, reducing burner efficiency. You want them to remain shiny so they reflect heat up to the cookware.
• Run your dishwasher only when full, and use the energy saver cycle. Don't hand-wash. Studies are showing more and more that, when used to maximize energy-saving features, modern dishwashers can outperform all but the most frugal hand washers.
• Keep lint screen in dryer clean .

If you have any other tips - please post them in the comments. Let's keep helping each other out!

Labels: Green Appliance