Give your house a green makeover

As we enter an era of greater social responsibility, increasingly aware of the harm we are doing to our planet, we are considering potential purchases of household appliances more carefully. These appliances can consume a lot of resources and manufacturers are aiming to develop greener technology to attract environmentally conscious buyers.

There is now a wide range of ‘green' features on appliances, from dishwashers and washing machines that consume less water to tumble dryers that can ‘sense' when the clothes are dry enough and automatically switch off.

Your checklist

If you're looking to replace an old appliance, or are equipping your first home with the essentials, there are a number of things to consider if you want to make an environment-friendly purchase.

The first thing to check, according to Ajai Dayal, head of retail and marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (of which Better Life is a member), is the energy-efficiency label, which is now clearly displayed on all white goods.

"An appliance is rated for energy efficiency from A to G, with ‘A' being most efficient and ‘G' the least," says Dayal. "On refrigerators, there are two additional grades, A+ and A++ (since refrigerators consume more energy than most other household appliances). The label also provides information on energy consumption and capacity. So, for example, if a consumer is buying a washing machine, they can find out the grade of the appliance and the spin drying as well. The level of noise emitted by the appliance is also included."

Be informed

A spokesperson for Bosch says that many consumers are misled by slogans and advertisements that position products as environment friendly or ‘green', while in reality, many of these claims are just that, made under specific running/operating conditions or ‘green washing'. "An informed consumer should go beyond claims and do some research on the internet and through other sources to confirm whether the claims are based on fact. The European Union regulatory frameworks, standards and laws are strict; applying European Energy Labels means that products have been tested in independent laboratories and organisations. So the best approach is to buy appliances that have EU labelling and to ask relevant questions about water and energy consumption from sales representatives."

There are a number of new energy-efficient features on appliances that consumers should consider before making their purchase. "Dishwashers are now being built with maximum usage in one cycle in mind," explains Dayal. "Some models are equipped with 14-plate settings rather than 12, meaning that the appliance does not need to be used as often. You should also look for washing machines that come with ‘balance sensing'. Using ‘balance sensing', the machine can identify when fewer clothes are being washed in the cycle. It will accordingly reduce the level of water and energy used."

Maximising efficiency

Arturo Manso, managing director of Teka Küchentechnik, says the kitchen and cooking zones have also undergone transformations. "Teka takes maximum care by using energy-efficient lighting in decorative cooker hoods. Thanks to the latest LED technology, Teka is replacing traditional lamps with new high-performing and energy-efficient ones. Likewise, old traditional lamps are gradually being replaced by energy-saving lamps."

While it would be best to replace all your energy-guzzling appliances with greener versions, for many of us the cost of doing so makes it prohibitive. Experts recommend a practical approach — if you're going to invest in only one green appliance, start with a refrigerator, as they work all day, every day.

Living green

Specialists at Bosch say it's important to bear in mind that buying green is one thing, but ‘living' green is another. While buying green home appliances is important, it should be just one factor of an overall greener and more environment-friendly lifestyle that people should be adopting. "Today in the UAE, we have a lot of challenges that we need to tackle together. From high electricity and water consumption to a very high carbon footprint per capita, we all have a role to play in minimising the impact on nature, resources and the society we live in," says a spokesperson for Bosch.

New energy-efficient features are being researched and developed. "All manufacturers are continually upgrading their products and increasingly becoming more energy efficient," says Dayal. "Buyers must always bear in mind that energy efficiency will not affect the performance of the appliance. Don't be put off by a dishwasher that uses less water — the dishes will still be just as clean."

Tips for going green

1. Always check the energy efficiency label.

2. The cheapest is not always the best choice - its energy efficiency may be lower and may end up using and costing more in terms of energy consumption.

3. Buy a model that suits your needs. For a big family, it is good to have a large-capacity washing machine, say eight to 10.5 kg, so that lots of clothes can be washed in one go.

4. When replacing household items, replace the ones that are more than ten years old first because they will be the least energy efficient.

5. Look for models that include the latest technology, as these will use energy in the most efficient way, which will help you save money.

— Ajai Dayal, head of retail and marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group

1. Make sure you have the right appliance for your needs. A single person with a large, side-by-side refrigerator that is three-quarters empty is not doing justice to his or her energy bills and costs. It is also not helping the environment.

2. Make sure you buy your products from reputable manufacturers who have a visible, measurable and consistent commitment to the environment.

3. Pay attention to the energy efficiency labels and try to select from the most energy efficient appliances based on the Europe Union's labelling system.

4. Try to switch to an energy efficient mindset - it is not only about having green appliances, but adopting an eco-friendly way of living.

— A spokesperson for Bosch