A new solar-powered air conditioner has been introduced by SPP (Solar Panels Plus). It is high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rated (SEER) and is called the SplitCool DC18.
The air conditioner runs on a bank of batteries powered by solar panels and can be installed without adding ducts. It would handle each room as a separate zone. It also features a remote compressor, allowing for quiet operation.
Read more about it here.
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Whirlpool has launched an online tool for consumers to learn more about what rebate programs are available to them under the “Cash for Appliances” program for their particular state.
Entering in a zip code and appliance type will provide consumers with their specific rebate amount. It will also provide rebate amounts from any local utility companies, if offered.
Read more about it here.
The new Hybrid Water Heater from GE will soon be available throughout North America by the end of January.
This new appliance is said to be 62 percent more efficient than an older electric water heater and can save consumers hundreds of dollars every year.
Along with the usual resistance elements and the latest in heat pump technology, GE’s hybrid water heater draws heat from the surrounding air to heat the water.
Read the article here if you’d like to learn more about this new water heater and to learn the major retail store that will be amongh the first to carry it.
It must be award season in the Appliance world again, as Electrolux has won another award.
This time, from the Housewares Design Awards Program. One of its vacuum models, the UltraSilencer Green, is the winner of this prestigious award. It is made from 55% recycled plastic and runs on reduced electricity, decreasing noise.
Read more about it here.
With a government tailor-made for smart grid technology, the Chinese city of Yangzhou will be the staging ground for GE to introduce its smart grid to the region.
Needless to say, China’s demand for energy has increased dramatically in recent years, so the advent of this new technology holds quite a lot of promise. GE will have a demonstration center in Yangzhou displaying all of the major components of a smart grid system: the smart meter, compatible thermostats, new smart appliances.
Read more about it, once again, at Appliance Magazine.
Whirlpool has committed to producing one million dryers by the end of 2011 that are compatible with the emerging smart grid technology.
After an additional four years, by the end of 2015, all of Whirlpool’s electronic appliances will be smart-grid friendly.
They are currently promoting this commitment at the International Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. They are exhibiting one of their smart-grid dryers this year.
You can read more here.
I’ve recently been blogging about the upcoming appliances that will be able to communicate with smart grids. What are those smart grids anyway? Well, I found this article from CBS that further explains this initiative.
Millions of households will receive home energy information displays over the next few years. They will be able to monitor their energy usage and make informed decisions on when to use their major appliances.
This is interesting new technology that will revolutionize how we consume energy in the 21st century.
I reported a few days ago on the recent Sustainability Report released by Whirlpool promoting the company’s efforts to go green and manufacture appliances capable of sending and receiving messages to the electric grid.
Vice President of Government Relations for Whirlpool, Tom Catania, will represent his company at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties being held in Copenhagen, Denmark this week.
He will be engaged in talks about the importance of collaboration between the appliance industry, the various governments, and other organizations to further develop ideas regarding climate change.
Read the article from Appliance Magazine for more details.
A new Dow Jones report said that thirty-one U.S. states and territories thus far have received approval to offer rebates on energy-efficient household appliances.
These cash rebates originated from the economic stimulus legislation early this year and are meant to boost spending in the consumer sector whilst reducing energy consumption by replacing old major appliances. In some cases, documented recycling of the old appliances can add up to an additional rebate.
The feds will provide $300 million to be channeled through state programs. Every state submitted rebate plans with specific rebate amounts for Energy Star rated appliances. The majority of the approved programs are expected to begin between February and April of next year. A few states begin this month.
The list can be found in its entirety on the Energy Department site.
We’ll see how well this works.
A few weeks ago, along with its Annual Report, Whirlpool released its very first Sustainability Report.
This report highlights Whirlpool’s efforts to go green. Their efforts not only focus on their production practices, but also the innovations they’re pursuing to make their products more energy efficient. Within the next five years, for example, Whirlpool will offer appliances that will be able to send and receive messages to the electric grid to minimize energy use during peak demand periods.
It’s fascinating stuff. Take a moment and read for yourself.
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