All the “green” talk in the news often seems very theoretical. What can you do on a practical level that will be good for the environment and good for your bank account? Install compact fluorescent lightbulbs… sure, but what else?

The best way to begin conserving energy is to become more aware of what you use. Are you surprised when you get your bill from the power company each month? Wouldn’t it be easier if you could see what you are spending as you spend it instead of after the fact? It’s a simple concept- If you can measure it, you can manage it.

Meet TED “The Energy Detective”. This device is one of an emerging set of tools for homeowners to better understand their energy spending habits. TED is installed inside the electric panel to measure the electricity your house is using at any moment. A handy monitor inside the house reports energy consumption in kilowatts, dollars, daily totals, cost-to-date in your billing cycle, projected usage in your billing cycle, peak usage, min and max volts, and historical data for 13 month. Open the refrigerator door and you’ll see the 20watt bulb inside register on TED’s screen.

Using TED will help you teach the members of your household about conserving energy. TED can also help identify “energy hog” appliances. Changing your habits based on this real-time information can save you 10-20% of your electric bill.

If you’d like to learn more, read all about TED at www.theenergydetective.com. As part of the new Extended Maintenance program, Schneider Development will provide and install the TED Model 1001 for $300. We’re interested in working with a few homeowners as part of a trial to validate the energy savings. Call the office if you’re interested!

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We’ve seen many front-load washers installed over the last year. Hurrah! They are great for the environment and the pocketbook. Front-loaders use less water, less soap, and spin clothing almost dry leaving less for the dryer to do. Larger capacity also means fewer loads.

Front-loaders “look different” and “act different” so as the saying goes they must BE different. Take that a step further though… you have to USE them differently.

Load size: Most front loaders can handle a 12- to 20-pound load of laundry. (4.5 cubic feet vs. 3.2 in a large top-load washer) Larger loads actually work better than smaller loads because they keep the load properly balanced and decrease the chance of vibration or “walking”. Although the washer will try to self-balance by slowing the spin so that clothes are repositioned, front-load washers are designed for larger loads.  As one of our local appliance experts says, “If the door closes, it isn’t overloaded… so stuff it!” (Ed DeVries, East Coast Appliance)

Spin speed: If you absolutely must wash a smaller load, consider decreasing the spin speed too.  Most front-load washers have optional settings on the control panel.

Detergent: Front-loaders use HE or High Efficiency detergent. They also typically use smaller amounts of detergent. These detergents are formulated to create fewer suds and leave less residue in your washer. Powdered detergents may not dissolve properly in a low-water front-loader.

Smell?: Some consumers have complained about bad smells emanating from their new washers! Because of the low water level, wash residue such as grime, dirt and even skin flakes, along with water softeners and detergents do not always fully drain out of a front-loading washer. Over time, residue may lead to mold.

Always leave the door and dispenser unit slightly ajar after the laundry is done to let the compartments dry out. Never leave a wet load in the washer overnight; remove it when the washing cycle is complete and leave the door open. Also consider using softener sheets in the dryer instead of liquid softeners in the washer.

Cleaning: Your front-load washer has a large gasket around the front opening. There will typically be a small amount of water and residue left inside the fold of the gasket. (At my house this also includes keys, crayons, nails, or pieces of Mr. Potato Head.) In addition to checking this “pocket” after a wash, and leaving the door ajar to dry, once a month wipe the gasket down with a washcloth and a little bleach.

Vibration: If you find that the washer vibrates too much or “walks” across the room check your owner’s manual for tips from the manufacturer. Two tips that often work are: 1) raise (make taller) the front right leg of the washer slightly. This has the effect of giving that corner of the washer a bit more grip on the floor.  2) Pick up a package of small sticky-backed sand paper disk refills at the hardware store. These are made for small hand-sanders, but work very well stuck to a tile or vinyl floor under the legs of your washer for extra grip.

Although no one “loves” laundry unless it folds itself, learning to use your new front-load washer properly may make laundry a bit more enjoyable.

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