Energy Efficient Appliances & Lighting

Appliance models on the market today are much more efficient than those of ten or more years ago. And, compact fluorescent lamps are available that use about 75 percent less energy and last about ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. For the Millennium Star home, we installed some of the most state-of-the-art, energy-efficient equipment available.

Here is a summary:

Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
We selected a GE Profile™ Spacemaker Microwave with sensor cooking controls that automatically eliminate the guesswork on cooking times for a variety of foods including popcorn, beverages, ground meat, fish fillets, chicken pieces and vegetables. With 1,000 watts of power, it’s one of the most energy efficient ovens on the market today. Its unique SmartControl System with an interactive display panel allows you to leave audio messages for your family to retrieve and input written messages to remind you of future appointments. A powerful venting system quickly removes smoke and steam from your cooktop below.

Electric Range
Sitting under the microwave is GE 30-inch free-standing CleanDesign convection range. The energy-saving convection oven cooks 25 percent faster and at lower temperatures than a traditional range. And, no pre-heating is necessary. The SmartLogic ™ electronic control delivers more consistent oven temperature for exceptional cooking and baking results. The smooth, seamless surface within the self-cleaning, three-rack oven makes cleanup easier than ever. The patterned glass, ceramic cooktop has a special bridge element that provides for more even heating with cookware.

Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Superior insulation and the automatic energy-saving condenser loop make this 28.2 cubic foot capacity GE refrigerator quiet and economical. The light touch dispenser on the door front delivers crushed ice, cubes and Culligan™ filtered chilled water. Adjustable shelves, slide-out freezer baskets and deep doors that can hold gallon cartons of milk provides for easy access and convenient storage.

Laundry
Revolutionary to the task of washing and drying clothes is the front-loading ASKO Laundry Care System. We installed the Swedish-made ASKO washer and dryer in the Millennium Star to demonstrate their remarkable ability to do a better job of cleaning and drying with a fraction of the water, electricity and detergent as in ordinary machines.

Washer
The washer uses as little as 5.7 gallons of water per load compared to forty-four gallons for most conventional top-loaders and 28 gallons for domestic front-loaders. They’re smaller in size than conventional machines, yet they still handle big loads – up to 15 large towels. One of the most unique features of the washer is that it connects only to the cold water line and uses an internal heater that can reach temperatures as high as 205 degrees F.

Dryer
The ASKO dryer spins clothes at speeds as high as 1,600 rpm – about twice as fast as top-loaders and most front-loaders so they can extract at least 40 percent more water than conventional machines for a much shorter drying time. This microprocessor-controlled dryer has precise heat and humidity sensors to prevent overdrying and reduce wrinkles.

ASKO Dishwashing System
Like the ASKO washer and dryer, the dishwasher is hailed as a world leader in innovation and quality. It uses less water, energy and detergent than other models and it’s larger capacity saves you time in the kitchen. And, you won’t find a quieter model on the market today.

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