Green appliances have come a long way since those avocado-colored monstrosities of decades past. In the past few years alone, appliance manufacturers have consciously made leaps and bounds to create more energy-efficient machines. Less energy means fewer precious resources—such as water and fossil fuels for electricity—are wasted on everyday chores. In addition, less pollution makes its way into our atmosphere. And have you noticed? Green looks great these days. Earth-friendly companies are at the forefront of design, pushing the boundaries of what both looks good and is good for the planet. Don’t be discouraged by the sometimes steeper prices of green appliances. Energy-efficient appliances save money in the long term. Rebates and monthly savings on energy bills add up to help offset initial costs, too. A lower operating cost over the lifetime of the appliance is well worth it. Start small and consider replacing older, less efficient appliances with some of these energy-saving wonders of the appliance world.  | Sub-Zero Refrigerator Drawers
Is it a drawer? Is it a refrigerator? Sub-Zero’s refrigerator drawers are brilliantly both. With more than five cubic feet of energy-efficient, food-preserving storage, the possibilities are endless. Refrigerated drawers are perfect when one full-size fridge isn’t cutting it. Why not forego a second fridge for drawers? Keep a drawer for fresh produce near the prep sink, or give the kids their own drawer to fill with healthy after-school snacks. Sub-Zero’s integrated design allows for point-of-use refrigeration anywhere food and beverage cooling is needed, while panels can be customized to any décor. Electronic controls are up front and easy to use, and there’s even a handy little alarm that beeps if one of the drawers is left open. How efficient. Sub-Zero Refrigerator Drawers, MSRP $3,669, from Sub-Zero/Wolf.
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 | Bosch Axxis
Washing Machine
Think quality over quantity when looking for energy-efficient washers and dryers. Bosch’s new Axxis laundry systems work hard to get the job done efficiently the first time around. The brand’s exclusive horizontal-axis wash system gets clothes extra clean, and, with double the spin speed of conventional washing machines, clothes emerge needing less time in the dryer. A network of smart sensors also analyzes the wash load, determining the weight balance, temperature and level of water and makes adjustments accordingly. The Axxis washer saves 12,000 gallons of water and hundreds of hours of energy usage each year, while the convenient, smaller 24” size of these stackable machines make for a smaller footprint where space is at a premium. Bosch Axxis stackable washer, MSRP from $949, and dryer, MSRP from $749, at Servco Home & Appliance Showroom.
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 | Liebherr 2062 Series Refrigerator
German manufacturer of the greenest refrigerators in the world, Liebherr, makes a splash in the American market this month with the release of its 36” luxury 2062 Series refrigerator. The new refrigerator is engineered to be the most energy efficient, with the best ENERGY STAR ratings, of any fridge in its category. It also complies with the new ENERGY STAR guidelines for maximum energy efficiency due out this month. The 2062 Series is available in freestanding, stainless integrated and fully integrated models and is thoughtfully designed with smart features, improved water filtration and maximized space for food preservation. Beyond the stylish French doors lies a dual refrigeration system with separate and efficient variable speed compressors for both the refrigerator and freezer. Revolutionary LED light columns illuminate the fridge’s interior and drawers. Liebherr 2062 Series Refrigerator, MSRP $4,999 from T. Oki Trading and Tradewind Hawaii on the Big Island.
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 | Fujitsu J Series VRF System Air Conditioner
Fujitsu leads the
field in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air-conditioning systems with
its J Series. If VRF systems sound hi-tech, that’s because they are—in
the coolest possible way. VRF technology allows cooling of multiple
rooms from a single, quiet and compact outdoor condensing unit. Using a
zoned cooling approach with fan coils in each room of the house, the
outdoor unit monitors the cooling demand in each zone and cools only
the occupied zones that need it. So, forget leaving the air conditioner
on full blast all day while you come and go. The result is significant
energy savings for both Mother Earth and your wallet. The system’s
compact size, low sound levels and low starting amps make it ideal for
any home. Wall-mount, duct-type indoor fan coils or a combination of
both means the unobtrusive coils can also be completely hidden from
view. Fujitsu J Series VRF System, from $TK from Admor HVAC Products
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TIPS FROM MR. ELECTRIC “If installed and maintained properly, all major appliances will run more efficiently and last longer,” says Danyal Correia, of Mr. Electric. Here’s how to keep your investment going for years to come. 1 Make sure a licensed electrician from a licensed contractor handles appliance hookups. All appliances, even microwaves and garbage disposals, should have their own dedicated power circuits. 2 Appliances—like the clock on your microwave—can consume up to 15 or 20 extra watts of power. Reduce standby power by unplugging unnecessary appliances when not in use. 3 Devices such as the Power-Save can be installed near a home’s breaker panel to save energy and money. The Power-Save lowers energy bills, increases motor and appliance life and provides surge and lightening protection by regulating the electricity that ente rs the home. For more information call Mr. Electric, 521-7117, or visit www.power-save.com.  | TOTO High Efficiency Toilets
Did you know toilets are one of the biggest water users in the home? Save thousands of gallons of water a year by switching to high-efficiency toilets (HETS). TOTO, the leading brand in high-efficiency plumbing technologies, now offers the highest performing model available. The Eco Nexus, Eco Supreme, Eco UltraMax and Eco Drake are the high-efficiency versions of TOTO’s most popular models. All of them utilize E-Max flushing technology. What does that mean? The same powerful flush as other toilets with 20 to 63 percent water savings. TOTO’s eco-friendly toilets also meet the requirements of the EPA’s WaterSense System and the brand is the only plumbing manufacturer to receive the EPA’s prestigious Water Efficiency Leader award. TOTO High Efficiency Toilets, MSRP from $318 to $710 at The Bathroom Store.
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 | Viking Electric Combination Steam/Convect Ovens
Speed equals efficiency when it comes to saving energy in the kitchen. Viking’s new electric oven offers the extra-speedy, dual power of steaming and convection cooking. Six cooking functions offer a variety of combinations, including SteamHeat and TruSteam, which seal in moisture while browning the outsides of foods. As a bonus, steaming is an incredibly healthy and efficient way to cook because it helps food retain its nutrients, taste and texture in less time. An external boiler keeps the oven clean, ensuring no accumulation of limescale from the moisture involved in steaming. Viking Electric Combination Steam/Convect Oven, $3,200 , from Viking.
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EASY ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSEIn the kitchen • Instead of heat-drying dishes in the dishwasher, let them air dry. • Don’t peek! Avoid wasting heat energy: resist the urge to open the oven while cooking or baking. In the bathroom • Shave two minutes off showering time and save more than $200 a year • Save water and money by fixing leaky faucets. In the laundry room • Consider washing clothes with the cold cycle to cut the cost of heating water.  | Wolf Induction Cooktop
Never worry about wasted heat with induction cooking. Used in Europe for years, induction cooking continues to gain popularity locally for its speed, precision and energy efficiency. Because energy is supplied directly to the pan, there’s never any wasted heat. Food cooks efficiently while the cooking surface remains cool to the touch. Wolf’s sophisticated cookware sensing technology ensures the heating elements will never be energized without an induction-compatible pan on the cooktop’s surface. The sleek black ceramic surface not only looks good, but is low-maintenance, too—easy to clean and resistant to scratching, staining and impact damage. Wolf Induction Cooktop (15”, 30”, 36”), MSRP from $2,069 to $4,079.00, from Sub-Zero/Wolf.
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 | G.E. Advantium Ovens
Neither a traditional oven nor a microwave, GE’s Advantium ovens are revolutionary new appliance options in the kitchen. Want to cook a whole chicken in 20 minutes, or bake up a batch of crescent rolls in less than five?
Advantium’s Speedcook technology combines the best of both microwave and light technologies to create oven-quality meals in a fraction of the time they would take in a conventional oven. And because Advantium ovens don’t need to be preheated and can cook food up to eight times faster, energy savings are guaranteed to be reflected in your electric bill each month.
Multiple modes, such as bake, broil, brown, roast, grill and microwave allow the Advantium to handle any recipe with ease and style. The sleek, compact design is available in two sizes both a little larger than a traditional microwave, but smaller than a traditional oven. Two speeds can be built in or installed above the cooktop. GE Advantium ovens, from $1,459-$2,349, at American Cabinetry.
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 | Kuppersbusch Fully Integrated Dishwasher
This dishwasher is not only ultra quiet and large enough to accommodate 12 place settings, it’s packed with power-saving features, too. An efficient flow-through water heater, condensation drying options and energy-efficient top-rack-only cycles save water on smaller loads. The top rack also adjusts easily and has a special spray for sticky, baked-on messes. Kuppersbusch Fully Integrated Dishwasher, MSRP from $1,830 (not including stainless steel front panel, $185, and handle, $45), from Snaidero Hawaii.
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Appliance shopping?For a full list of qualified brand appliances, visit www.energystar.gov To learn more about rebates on many ENERGY STAR appliances and download a rebate application, visit www.heco.com Where to Get itADMOR HVAC PRODUCTS INC.2225 Hoonee Place 841-7400 www.admorhvac.comAMERICAN CABINETRY INC.1 Location on Oahu 1 Location on Kauai 619 Mapunapuna St. 838-7770 www.american-cabinetry.comTHE BATHROOM STORE985 Dillingham Blvd. 843-2005 www.tbshi.comHAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY94-POWER (947-6937) www.heco.comMR. ELECTRIC521-7117 www.mrelectric.comSERVCO HOME & APPLIANCE SHOWROOM2841 Pukoloa St. 564-2493 www.servcoappliance.comSNAIDEROGentry Pacific Design Center 560 N. Nimitz Highway #120 599-4554 www.snaidero-usa.comSUB-ZERO/WOLF938 Piikoi St. 597-1647 www.subzerohawaii.comT. OKI TRADING2722 Waiwai Loop 834-2722 www.t-oki.comVIKING845-8018 www.vikingrange.com |
