Appliances
Appliances are essential for daily life in any building, but many traditional models consume more energy than necessary, leading to higher utility costs and increased environmental impact, leading to higher utility costs and unnecessary environmental impact. Energy-efficient appliances, whether for heating, cooling, cooking, or water heating, use advanced technologies to optimize energy consumption, minimize waste, and provide the same level of performance with reduced energy input.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can significantly lower energy bills and improve the health and safety of your space. These appliances not only perform more efficiently but are often designed with smart features to further optimize energy use based on demand.
Resources:
Asset Score Report Recommendations:
Asset Score Report Recommendation:
Replace Clothes Dryer with High Performance-Service Heat Pump Dryer
Cost ($-$$)
High-performance heat pump dryers are a modern, energy-efficient alternative to conventional electric resistance dryers. Unlike traditional dryers, heat pump dryers use a closed-loop system to recycle and reuse heat from the air, reducing energy consumption by up to 50% as compared to standard (non-Energy Star certified) models. This technology operates at lower drying temperatures, which not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on fabrics, prolonging the lifespan of clothing.
Another key benefit of heat pump dryers is their vent-less design, which eliminates the need for an external vent, making them easier to install in multifamily buildings or retrofits where venting is not feasible. This also prevents air leaks, which can compromise indoor air quality.
By enhancing indoor air quality, reducing energy waste, and minimizing environmental impact, they contribute to healthier living spaces and greater resident or tenant satisfaction.
Resources:
- https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_dryers/heat-pump-dryer
- https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-25510.pdf
- https://neep.org/sites/default/files/resources/NEEP_EMV_Summary%20Report_Dryer%20Baseline%20Finale%204-01-15.pdf
- https://slipstreaminc.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/heat-pump-clothes-dryers-2021_0.pdf
Asset Score Report Recommendation:
Replace Existing Electric Stovetop with Electric Induction Stovetop
Cost ($-$$)
Electric induction stovetops represent a significant advancement in cooking technology, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency. They utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat compatible cookware, rather than heating the cooktop surface itself. This method significantly reduces energy loss, making induction cooktops around 10% more efficient than conventional electric resistance stovetops and up to three times more efficient than gas (https://www.energy.gov/articles/making-switch-induction-stoves-or-cooktops).
In addition to energy savings, induction cooktops provide faster cooking times, precise temperature control, and a safer cooking environment. Since the surface remains cool to the touch, there is a reduced risk of burns or accidental fires. These features are particularly beneficial in multifamily buildings, where safety and ease of use are critical for tenants.
Beyond performance benefits, induction cooktops contribute to healthier indoor air quality by eliminating the combustion byproducts associated with gas stovetops, such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide (https://lamont.columbia.edu/news/study-finds-switching-gas-electric-stoves-cuts-indoor-air-pollution). This makes them an ideal choice for households seeking to minimize air pollution while transitioning to all-electric systems. Induction cooktops are compatible with a variety of cookware, such as stainless steel or cast iron, but users may need to ensure their existing pots and pans are compatible.
By combining energy efficiency, safety, and health benefits, induction cooktops are a smart upgrade for modern, sustainable kitchens, particularly in multifamily or electric only buildings:
2. https://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2014/data/papers/9-702.pdf
3. https://www.energy.gov/articles/making-switch-induction-stoves-or-cooktops