Getting the best out of appliances

It’s a nice notion that older things were built to last, but when it comes to some white goods, electronics and appliances, it might be better if they took a trip to WEE recycling heaven sooner rather than later.

According to a study by Bonn University, available as a sliding calculator all over the Internet, freezers are an astonishing 48% more efficient than their relatively young 2000 forefathers. Dishwasher and washing machine technology shows only slender improvements for all but the muscled energy warriors at the A+++ end of the market, making a good green generation machine probably worth fixing. The EU energy ratings on all new appliances presumes the very best operative behaviour. Whether you’re keeping your present goods or upgrading, stick to consistent habits to perk energy savings.

WASHING MACHINES

Always fill the machine if possible up to 80% of its stated load and enough to turn an open hand on the top of the clothes. If you have an 8kg machine, using 3kg or the half load cycle will often use just as much power and water as running a full machine.

* Look for eco-cycles on new machines but keep in mind that they are mind numbingly long, generally 2½ to 3 hours.

* Set a high spin speed on the washing machine as it takes less power to spin the washer than it does to tumble this moisture out with the dryer.

* For a large household, an 8-12kg machine can be a money saver per kilogram of wash, but only if you use the machine just about full each run. For modest families, 6-8kg is plenty per load, (rather than per kilogram of washing), the cost in water and energy will be reduced.

* Cold and 30ºC degree washing has become popular with the enzyme rich detergents on the market promising keen performance. For bedding, underclothes and sensitive skin, a standard 40-50ºc wash married to an occasional 60ºC wash sanctifies fabrics and the machine.

DRYERS

* Keep your dryer indoors where the air drawn in will need less heating for the machine to perform.

* Empty the lint collector after every load.

* Modern hydro-sensors will tailor the time needed to dry each individual wash. Don’t over-ride using timed cycles unless you are standing by.

* Vouch for ‘iron dry’ and finish with an iron.

* Separate garments and open them out before placing in the dryer and help the sensors by drying similar weight fabrics together.

* Vented dryers use less energy than condenser machines, but they must be properly installed to prevent condensation.

* Gas warmed dryers (not rated for energy) and those using heat pump technology are highly efficient if more expensive to install.

* Bring clothes outside to get them even just damp, and then run them through the dryer for 10-15 minutes for a fluffy, wrinkle free finish.

ELECTRONICS

Stand-by modes can bleed as much as 50% of the energy needed to fully run electronics, including the recent domestic additions of broadband modems, broadband routers, digi-boxes and cordless telephones. Turn off everything you can at night or program them to ‘sleep’ modes that use a sliver of power.

* Set your PC to go to a screensaver after a few minutes of idling.

* Try using a black energy saving, Blackle home page on your PC or laptop. www.blackle.com.

* LCD flat screen televisions are highly energy efficient making up for their often huge screen sizes, but judge the energy rating against screens of the same size when purchasing a TV. High definition (HD) costs more to run that standard definition (SD).

* New electronics including set top boxes are now bound by an EU directive and can only run at 1W per hour on standby.

* Use energy saving plugs, usage monitors and more to trim your draw of power. We love Owl products which include remote control power saver strips, plug in adapters, multi-socket power saver strips and plug adaptors rechargeable batteries and more. www.theowlireland.com.

FRIDGE/FREEZERS

* Site your fridge and in particular any freezer in the coolest part of the kitchen or utility with plenty of room for air to circulate around it.

* Keep the freezer reasonably full. They perform more efficiently this way. Put a euro note at the edge of the door and close it. If you can’t pull it out, the rubber seal is intact, if not, replace it.

* Don’t put piping hot food in the fridge. Let it cool first.

*If you are forced to buy new, it’s cheering to know that since July of 2012, all fridges and freezers must by law be A+ rated or better.

Electric Ireland offer a fascinating Appliance Calculator App. Download to see just how your household servants are performing over the 61 days cycle of a standard electricity bill. www.electricireland.ie