GE Joins Federal Program to Recycle Refrigerators/Freezers

General Electric Appliance and Lighting has been the first U.S. major appliance manufacturer to join a movement to direct appliances beyond repair into a recycling program. GE has taken the initiative to aid retailers in becoming involved with the Responsible Appliance Disposal program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program was created to ensure responsible disposal of the foam insulation found in refrigerators and freezers. The insulation foam can break down in landfills and emit ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere it not disposed of in the proper fashion.  GE has also decided to provide its retailer participants with in-store point-of-purchase materials, online marketing and advertising.   Unlike similar programs made mandatory in countries like Japan, the Responsible Appliance Disposal Program is voluntary.

Source: Appliance Service News, November 2011 Issue

Tags: appliance disposal, GE, recycle

Bosch Receives Energy Star Award

BSH Home Appliances received an award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award was presented in recognition of Bosch’s continued contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing water and energy efficient appliances and educating consumers on the benefits of the Energy Star program.

Bosch is the only appliance brand in the United States that is one hundred percent Energy Star qualified.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, September 2011 Issue

Tags: Bosch, energy star

New Drawer Dishwashers Divide Delicate and Filthy

Two drawer dishwashers debuting from Turkish manufacturer Arcelik allow delicate glassware to be washed separate from grimy pots and pans. The dishwasher also helps smaller families and singles to save on energy and water bills by only running one drawer when needed.  The dishwasher was debuted in Europe this summer and could soon be offered throughout the United States.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 2011 Issue

GE Launches Recycling Program for Used Water Filters from Refrigerators

GE Appliances and Lighting has launched a program for recycling of refrigerator water filters in cooperation with the United States EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program. GE’s program is the first of its kind by any major appliance manufacturer within the United States.

 This recycling program is intended to recycle one hundred percent of used water filters from refrigerators.  The plastic part is turned to pellets and then re-used. The charcoal filter portion is used in landfill liners. Landfill liners are used to prevent hazardous substances from getting into water supplies.

GE’s goal is to help consumers diminish their environmental impact. GE hopes this program will give them a uncomplicated way to recycle their used GE filters. When a new water filter is ordered from GE, the company mails a free recycling kit (with prepaid postage) along with the replacement filter.

Source: Appliance Service News, August 2011 Issue

Tags: General Electric, recycle

Rayburn Offers Solar-Powered Ranges in Great Britain

Rayburn, a British manufacturer and subsidiary of AGA, now presents a solar electricity option on its in-home cooking/heating/hot water appliance system. Rayburn installs a central boiler heater to accompany their cast-iron cooking ranges (called cookers).  This home energy appliance system provides the home with both heat and hot water.

                Rayburn’s solar electric photovoltaic panels soak up solar energy and create electricity that can be used to run appliances and lighting in the home.  Rayburn appliances can also stock up solar-generated electricity for use at a later time.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, June 2011

EPA Presents Whirlpool with Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

This year’s Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award has been bestowed to the Whirlpool Corporation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award is in recognition of Whirlpool’s leadership in consumer appliances that are energy and water efficient. Whirlpool has introduced washers that use up to 75% less water than their 2004 predecessors. In addition, these washers are 160% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standards. Whirlpool also offers refrigerators that use less energy than a 60-watt light bulb.

Source: Marcone World Magazine June 2011 Issue

HC Refrigerants to Make U.S. Debut

Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants are scheduled to make a marking debut in the United States in the upcoming months, pending approval from the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Scientific studies verified that the refrigerant used exclusively in the United States since 1940 is the agent that caused the thinning of the Earth’s ozone layer.

 In 1996, President George H.W. Bush and the EPA, insisted refrigerants would have to be switched to a less ozone destructive refrigerant. By the year 2000, HC refrigerants were being purchased in mostly European Nations. Companies including Whirlpool and Electrolux are currently marketing HC refrigerants abroad. GE feels with consumers favoring greener alternatives, they will welcome a refrigerator that doesn’t contribute to global warming. When these new refrigerators are introduced, service technicians will need new training and to purchase new tools as well.

Source: Marcone World June 2011

New Maytag Washer Puts an End to Wasted Detergent

The new and improved line of Maytag Maxima front-loader washers debuted at Sears retail outlets in April. The main feature offered by this line is a liquid detergent optimizing system. The washer also has a PowerSpray System that assists the cleaning by spraying the detergent evenly throughout the load. Another impressive option is a Fresh Hold feature that uses Dynamic Venting Technology to keep clothes from smelling like mildew after being left in the washer for up to 16 hours. This efficient washer uses 82% less water than traditional top-load washers, and 86% less energy. Maytag offers a 10 year limited warranty on the motor and stainless steel wash basket on the Maxima MHW9000X washer. Its suggested retail price is $1,599.  

Source: Appliance Service News July 2011

New Whirlpool Study Shows Consumers Uninformed about Smart Grid

A survey conducted on behalf of whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity International by the NAHB Research Center finds that 70% of consumers who are aware of Smart Grid technology only somewhat understand how it works. Of those surveyed 46% believe their community doesn’t understand the technology at all. Whirlpool is disappointed by the results as their new appliances that use Smart Grid technology are considered by experts in the industry to be the future of environmentally sustainable homes and green building. Warwick Sterling, Global Director of Energy and Sustainability at Whirlpool, suggests a greater emphasis on Smart Grid education among all consumers. An encouraging find was that 48% of Smart Grid-aware respondents understood the importance of Smart-Grid-compatible appliances.

Source: Appliance Service News

Eco-friendly Detergents Leaving White Film on Dishes

Are you noticing a white film appearing on your dishes? During the 2010 year, the manufacturers of dishwasher detergents were forced to eliminate phosphates from their products, which goes along with an earlier change in laundry detergents.

Depending on the formula of the new phosphate-free detergents and the hardness and temperature of the water a white film may form on the dishes. To check if the film is caused by the phosphate-free detergent, gently rub a glass with a soft cloth with vinegar. If it is removed by this process then it was a lime film, an effect of the phosphate free detergent.

To eliminate this white film, use a rinse aid such as Finish ® Glass Magic. Using a cleaning booster leaves the dishes cleaner and helps keep the inside of your dishwasher clean and running properly.

Sources: Bosch service bulletin, Appliance Service News