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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.