How can I find a refrigerator that is "green"?

It’s time to switch to an Energy Efficient Refrigerator!

Here’s tips on how to choose an Energy Efficient Refrigerator:

What size do I choose?
Choose a size that is sufficient for your family and avoid oversizing your refrigerator.

Where should I place it?
Place the refrigerator away from sources of heat such as stoves, ovens and windows facing the sun. Ensure a sufficient gap around the refrigerator to allow heat to escape from the compressor and condensing oil.

What features should I include?
Consider the needs for additional features such as automatic icemakers and through-the-door ice and water dispensers, as they increase energy use.

How do I know which refrigerator is energy efficient?
Look for Mandatory Energy Label ticks. The more ticks it has, the more energy-efficient it is.

Here are more tips on how to use your refrigerator efficiently:

• Adjust the thermostat in the refrigerator to the recommended setting. Overcooling your refrigerator wastes electricity.

• Do not overload the refrigerator. Too many items block air circulation and reduce cooling capabilities.

• Cool down hot foods to room temperature before placing them in the fridge.

• Cover liquids (e.g. soups) to be placed in the fridge. Evaporation from the liquid makes the compressor work harder.

• Test the door seal periodically by closing the door on a thin piece of paper. If it does not stay in place, the seal should be replaced.

• When cleaning the refrigerator or organising items, switch off the refrigerator to save electricity.


Information provided by: National Environment Agency

Important points to consider when buying an iron.

Dry iron
The traditional dry iron doesn't require any water and offers basic features.

Steam iron
A steam iron reduces time spent ironing as creases and wrinkles disappear faster when hot steam is applied to clothes.

Steam/Spray iron
This iron features a small water spray to provide additional dampness whenever you require, especially when ironing very dry clothes or stubborn creases.

Steam/Spray/Shot iron
This model releases a blast of intense steam directly onto fabric, making challenging fabrics like denim easier to press.

Steam Generator iron
A steam generator iron gives you the most impressive results, in the shortest time. It allows you to apply high-pressure steam continuously on everything you need pressed.

There are also four types of sole plates to consider when looking for an iron.

1. Aluminium plate
   This inexpensive option may become sticky over time and cause wrinkles on clothes as you iron.
2. Coated non-stick plate
   Its non-stick coating makes it easier to glide over clothes, plus it does not pull or create wrinkles.
3. Stainless steel plate
   A stainless steel plate is even smoother and reduces ironing time by distributing heat across the plate uniformly. Unfortunately, it can be scratched easily by zips and metal buttons.
4. Ceramic plate
   A Ceramic plate is a good choice as it offers a durable, non-stick surface, and distributes heat evenly while offering smooth action over the clothes.

What to look out for when buying a microwave oven.

Basic microwave oven
Basic microwave ovens cook by heating the water content in food. It is quick and easy to defrost and cook, with a low risk of burning. However, microwaved food tends to have a boiled taste, and cooking options are limited.

Microwave with grill
Microwaves with grills allow you to brown or crisp the surface of food to make it more palatable. The microwave does the most of the cooking, but the grill heats the surface from the outside to give you flavours a basic microwave cannot produce.

Microwave with convection
Microwave convection ovens give you the most control and taste. Convection technology uses a small fan to circulate hot air through the oven to heat the food from the outside, making it a compact alternative to a standard oven.

Power
Microwaves range in power from 400 W – 1200W. The more high-powered a microwave is, the faster the food will cook. High-powered microwaves use more energy, and are only ideal if you cook large quantities of food.

Capacity/dimensions
Consider the size of your family when shopping for your microwave. Bigger is not necessarily better, as under-utilised microwaves will cook their own mechanical parts through wave reflection phenomena.