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AHAM Consumer Information
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If you are considering buying an air cleaner, visit http://www.cadr.org/ Here you can learn about the Clean Air Delivery Rate, compare and search for models that are right for you. |
FEBRUARY: REMODELING YOUR
KITCHEN
Remodeling your kitchen is a great opportunity for you
to give your home a new look and upgrade your appliances to more efficient
models. According to a 2006 AHAM study, 18% of recent purchasers have
upgraded before their old appliance died, so they could reap the tremendous
energy savings available in new appliances.
There are lots of
options to consider when designing your dream kitchen, whether you want to
create a ‘green’
kitchen that is environmentally friendly, a universally
designed kitchen for all abilities, or one with updated appliances with more
features. Be sure to use online resources to create a kitchen that will
exceed all of your needs and expectations. The National Kitchen and Bath
Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the kitchen
and bath industry. They offer a guide book which will lead you through the
remodeling process. Also, take a look at Kitchens.com, a web site that lists
kitchen remodeling centers all over the country and offers new products
information.
Before you begin shopping for the latest
appliances, consider your needs now, and what your needs may be 10 years from
now. This is to guarantee that your kitchen is functional now, and will be
for the next 10 years.
To start, evaluate what appliance features
and configurations have worked well and what has not worked well, so you can
match your needs to the latest features. Consider replacing older, less
energy-efficient appliances first. And, before you begin shopping, know whether
your cooking appliances are gas or electrically powered. Consider recycling your current
appliances. To see what is available in your area, dial
1-800-YES-1-CAN. This toll free hotline will tell you the disposal
services available in your area.
When buying a new appliance for
your home, remember that it will have two price tags: what you pay at the store
and what you pay to operate it at home. Energy
Star-qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10% to
20% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save in
energy bills will offset costs associated with upgrading to an energy efficient
appliance.
Check back next month for a column on the latest appliance trends. AHAM
staff will be visiting the International Builders Show, and
will report on the innovative trends seen at the Show!
AHAM’S CERTIFIED ROOM AIR CONDITIONER AND DEHUMIDIFIER DIRECTORIES NOW SEARCHABLE ON COOLOFF.ORG
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) unveils a new consumer site http://www.cooloff.org/ featuring a simple three step process to help consumers select a proper room air conditioner by accurately determining cooling capacity; using the searchable Room Air Conditioners directory to find the units with certified performance ratings that match their criteria; and linking to manufacturers' web sites for additional feature and purchase related information.
AHAM products are certified based on verification of product performance. Room Air Conditioners are certified based on their cooling capacity expressed in BTU’s. Room Air Conditioner Manufacturers voluntarily participate in the AHAM certification program. AHAM uses an independent lab and a standardized test known as the AHAM/ANSI RAC-1, to test the actual cooling capacity of the unit. Products that are tested may then use an AHAM seal and be listed in the product directory.
The website offers consumers detailed information on proper cooling capacity, energy efficiency, installation requirements as well as efficiency use and maintenance tips. The units in the searchable directories can be sorted by the Brand name, Manufacturer, BTU (British Thermal Units), EER (energy efficiency ratio), or Voltage.
AHAM encourages consumers to “Beat the Heat” by visiting http://www.cooloff.org/ for cool information on how to select a room air conditioner. AHAM has designed this web site to help consumers select the right product for their home. Since 1967, AHAM has administered third party certification programs to test and verify the performance ratings of products such as room air conditioners, room air cleaners and dehumidifiers.
USE ENERGY STAR TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY!
The ENERGY
STAR program was introduced by the US EPA in 1992 as a voluntary labeling
program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products. Today,
ENERGY STAR has partnered with thousands of organizations to promote energy
efficient products including 31 home appliance manufacturers. The ENERGY STAR web site will help you locate
thousands of home appliances that can help you save money and energy within your
home.