Need a new fridge or cooktop? Want to buy Energy Star rated appliances? Well, the funding is coming for a new rebate program to encourage all of us to upgrade to the most energy efficient appliances.
This just in from the delighted Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers:
Peggy
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is applauding the House Appropriations Committee for its approval of an economic stimulus provision that includes $300 million to provide consumers with rebates for buying ENERGY STAR products to replace old appliances.
This provision would provide the funding necessary to implement a consumer rebate program authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, to be administered by the states.
"A consumer rebate program will result in dramatic savings for consumers," AHAM said, noting that the rebate would offset the cost differential between ENERGY STAR and non-ENERGY STAR appliances.
"Funding this federal-state appliance rebate program will benefit consumers by reducing the cost of ENERGY STAR appliances and providing them with additional discretionary income by way of reduced utility bills," said AHAM president Joseph McGuire.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Q & A on Downdraft Ventilation
Q.
Hi Peggy,
I stumbled on your blogs this evening. Great reading!
I'm actually in the process of moving out of San Francisco next week as I'm building a house in Maui.
So, I've got a very nice large kitchen planned with a 4' by 12' island in the center that will contain a prep sink and a 36" electric induction cooktop (maybe GE, as that's a reasonably priced one). To keep the open feeling of the kitchen with the ocean views at the windows, I'd like to use a downdraft venting system, such as the Thermador one, with a remote inline blower which will go under the patio next to the kitchen.
Any thoughts about these downdraft vents? Is it worth the money for the Thermador (almost $2000) since it seems a bit more efficient with the taller riser? Is 600 CFM and a 6" duct enough? Any reason to use 7" ducting and reduce down to 6" at the inline fan? My total vent run is about 35', and there will be 2 elbows. Any objections to an inline fan for a downdraft vent? (I saw your reasoning against these being fires for regular vents).
Yes, I know downdrafts don't work nearly as well, but my reasons are:
1. I really don't want to use an island hood
2. Seems fun to be able to cook facing your guests
3. With the big windows, not a ton of wall space, unless I got rid of the desk at the end.
4. I get a nice work triangle of the prep sink, refrigerator, and cooktop.
5. For grilling meat or anything that would be really stinky or smoky, I could use the patio BBQ which vents to the sky
Also, I found your advice for avoiding microwave fans interesting. My builder thinks they are great and that most places he's fixed up in San Francisco use the recirculation option.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Aloha,
Justin
A.
A fellow blogger recently posted on this issue.
You should read Susan Serra's post before you decide.
I agree.
Downdrafts just don't work.
In fact, if I were you and there weren't any local codes to prevent it, I would just forget ventilation entirely rather than spend $2000 on a system that won't work.
Do you have attic space above the kitchen?
If so a ceiling hood might be a better approach.
Otherwise go for a polished metal hood like the Abbaka.
They are pricey but they practically disappear in a room.
I also agree that an island is often the best place to put a cooktop to create a functional work triangle.
You could consider putting your sink and dishwasher on the island and the cooktop/hood and prep sink in front of non-operable windows.
Such a look can be quite smashing.
Without more information I am at a loss to go further.
You need a designer to help you work these issues out.
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
I stumbled on your blogs this evening. Great reading!
I'm actually in the process of moving out of San Francisco next week as I'm building a house in Maui.
So, I've got a very nice large kitchen planned with a 4' by 12' island in the center that will contain a prep sink and a 36" electric induction cooktop (maybe GE, as that's a reasonably priced one). To keep the open feeling of the kitchen with the ocean views at the windows, I'd like to use a downdraft venting system, such as the Thermador one, with a remote inline blower which will go under the patio next to the kitchen.
Any thoughts about these downdraft vents? Is it worth the money for the Thermador (almost $2000) since it seems a bit more efficient with the taller riser? Is 600 CFM and a 6" duct enough? Any reason to use 7" ducting and reduce down to 6" at the inline fan? My total vent run is about 35', and there will be 2 elbows. Any objections to an inline fan for a downdraft vent? (I saw your reasoning against these being fires for regular vents).
Yes, I know downdrafts don't work nearly as well, but my reasons are:
1. I really don't want to use an island hood
2. Seems fun to be able to cook facing your guests
3. With the big windows, not a ton of wall space, unless I got rid of the desk at the end.
4. I get a nice work triangle of the prep sink, refrigerator, and cooktop.
5. For grilling meat or anything that would be really stinky or smoky, I could use the patio BBQ which vents to the sky
Also, I found your advice for avoiding microwave fans interesting. My builder thinks they are great and that most places he's fixed up in San Francisco use the recirculation option.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Aloha,
Justin
A.
A fellow blogger recently posted on this issue.
You should read Susan Serra's post before you decide.
I agree.
Downdrafts just don't work.
In fact, if I were you and there weren't any local codes to prevent it, I would just forget ventilation entirely rather than spend $2000 on a system that won't work.
Do you have attic space above the kitchen?
If so a ceiling hood might be a better approach.
Otherwise go for a polished metal hood like the Abbaka.
They are pricey but they practically disappear in a room.
I also agree that an island is often the best place to put a cooktop to create a functional work triangle.
You could consider putting your sink and dishwasher on the island and the cooktop/hood and prep sink in front of non-operable windows.
Such a look can be quite smashing.
Without more information I am at a loss to go further.
You need a designer to help you work these issues out.
Peggy
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Old Appliance Club
A colleague put me on to this web site where vintage enthusiasts can find everything to do with old appliances (Thanks Joanne).
If you are looking for such resources you shouldn't miss it.
The Old Appliance Club
Peggy
If you are looking for such resources you shouldn't miss it.
The Old Appliance Club
Peggy
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