2002 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Save Money and Save the Environment:
A Lesson on Buying Energy-Efficient Products for the Home

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Including Handouts

Introduction • Target Audience • Objectives • Major Teaching Points • Suggestions for Teaching Lesson • Outline for Teaching Lesson • References

Introduction

Many products used in the home come with two price tags: the purchase price and the cost of the energy required to run them. Households that purchase and use energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, appliances and consumer electronics save money on their energy bill. The Consumer Research Council (CRC) estimates that consumers can reduce their energy bill by about 30 percent by using energy-efficient products in the home. In addition, energy-efficient products help save the environment. According to CRC, much of the energy consumed in homes is produced by power plants that burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Pollution from these fuel sources harms the environment and can cause respiratory disease, smog and acid rain. When consumers use less energy, air pollution is reduced as money is being saved.

What’s new in home equipment and appliances? How can consumers be sure they are purchasing energy-efficient products? What guidelines should you follow when it’s time to replace your refrigerator, clothes washer or dryer? The answers to these questions will help you reduce your energy bill and do your part to protect the environment.

Target Audience

• EHC leaders
• 4-H volunteer leaders
• Consumers shopping for new appliances and products for the home
• 4-H members preparing for the Consumer Economics Activity

Objectives

• Participants will be introduced to new energy-efficient products and appliances for the home.
• Participants will learn to look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for products and appliances for the home.
• Participants will learn how to save money on monthly utility bills by using energy-efficient appliances and products for the home.

Major Teaching Points

• When shopping for appliances, think of two price tags. The first one covers the purchase price ý think of it as a down payment. The second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You’ll be paying the second price tag every month when your utility bill arrives for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the life span of the appliance.
   
• Today, 10 percent of all newly purchased washers are front-loading models. Front loaders are technically horizontal-axis machines and use less water and energy to clean clothes.
   
• While the new H-axis machines are less expensive to operate, they are more expensive to purchase. Local energy and water rates and the amount of laundry you do each year will determine how quickly you can recoup your initial investment.
   
• Manufacturers recommend that high-efficiency (HE) detergents be used in the new high-efficiency washers. These products are low foaming to prevent excess suds from cushioning the tumbling action and reducing cleaning. High-efficiency detergents are often more expensive and not available in all markets.
   
• Today’s refrigerators are spacious with flexible, more efficiently used storage space. Slide out and adjustable glass shelves and temperature-controlled compartments are common in mid-priced models as well as top-of-the-line units.
   
• Of all the kitchen appliances, a refrigerator uses the most electricity and can account for as much as 15 percent of a home’s total energy bill.
   
• The most noticeable change in refrigerators during the past 10 to 20 years has been the amount of energy required for operation.
   
• Refrigerator manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to new, more stringent standards to take effect July 1, 2001. Refrigerators made today are about 30 percent more efficient than those manufactured under the 1993 standards. In 2001, a typical 20 cubic foot model will use 461 kWh compared to 659 kWh for a model just meeting the 1993 standards.

Suggestions for Teaching the Lesson

Prior to teaching the lesson:

• Review the introduction and study the major teaching points included in this guide.
   
• Visit local appliance stores and visually inspect the newest products on the market. Pick up manufacturers’ brochures for participants to review.
   
• Make copies of Handouts 1 and 2 included with this lesson (one for each participant).
   
• Additional handout materials are available on the following web sites. Download and make copies for participants, if desired.

Change . . . (a brochure about the ENERGY STAR® Program)

Save Money and Save the Environment: A Consumer Guide to Buying Energy-Efficient Products for the Home

• Note: A national satellite conference was conducted on September 28, 2001, entitled "Home Appliance Update for Extension Professionals." A copy of the videotaped program is available from the Extension media library. If time permits, obtain this resource and view prior to conducting this leader training.

Outline for Teaching Lesson

• Introduce the program by asking: "Who has recently shopped for a major home appliance such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher or hot water heater?" Wait for a show of hands, then ask: "Is anyone willing to tell the group about some of the new features on today’s appliances?" Give two or three an opportunity to share their ideas.
   
• Use the Introduction in this leader’s guide to start lesson.
   
• Use the Major Teaching Points, Handouts 1 and 2 and any supplemental materials to teach participants about purchasing energy-efficient washers, dryers and refrigerators and the importance of using the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing home appliances. Distribute copies of the handouts to the participants.
   
• Distribute the Evaluation Tool. Ask participants to complete and return.

References

• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN), U.S. Department of Energy
• Consumer Reports Buying Guide – 2001. Consumers Union, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10703-1057.
• Laundry Products and High-Efficiency Washers  Soap and Detergent Association 475 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. 
• "The Life Expectancy/Replacement Picture." Appliance Magazine. September, 2000, pp. 87-89.
• "Product Updates: Refrigerators." Consumer Reports Magazine. October, 2001, pp. 48-50. 

Lynn R. Russell, Ph.D., Extension Family Resource Management Specialist

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