Shopping Guide

Refrigerators

Of all the large appliances, refrigerators usually consume the most energy. S0… Select the right size for your needs.

• One or two people need 340 litres (12 cu. ft.).
• Three or four people, 395 to 480 litres (14 to 17 cu. ft.).
• For each additional person, add 55 litres (2 cu. ft.).
• Measure the space where you want to put your refrigerator. Allow 25 mm (1") of space on each side for airflow.
• Choose a model with an energy saver switch.

Freezers

• About 85 to 140 litres (3 to 5 cu. ft.) per person is right.
• Allow for appropriate airflow space
• Chest freezers are by far the more efficient and have more usable space.

Electric Stoves

• Self-cleaning ovens can be up to 25% more efficient because they are generally better insulated than other models. In normal use, heat is distributed more evenly and less energy is consumed.
• Look for oven doors that are well insulated and fit tightly. A window in the oven door lets you look inside without opening the door and letting heat escape.

Dishwashers

• Look for a short-cycle or econowash feature, which uses less hot water. This is important because about 85% of a dishwasher's electricity is used to heat the water.
• Look for an energy-saver switch that turns off the heating element to let dishes air dry.

Washers

• Look for front-loading washers. They're much more energy-efficient because they use less hot water.
• Look for models that offer cold wash and rinse cycles, which significantly reduce energy costs.
• Models with water level control and shorter gentle cycles let you do small loads and fine fabrics without wasting a full cycle.
• If your usual laundry load is small, consider a compact model.

Dryers

• A cool-down "permapress" cycle that tumbles clothes in cooler air for the last 5 to 10 minutes saves energy and reduces wrinkling.
• A time control that lets you set the temperature and drying time helps avoid over-drying, which wastes energy and can be hard on fabrics.
• An electronic moisture or temperature sensor that automatically turns off the machine when it senses that clothes are dry is a very energy-wise feature.
• Permanent press or delicate cycles use less energy than the regular cycle.
• If you do only small loads, consider a compact model.

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