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EnergyStar Ratings – Can They be Trusted?

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According to retailers, the Federal Appliance Rebate Program has increased appliance purchases nationwide.  The rebate is for energy efficient appliances which is great – only you might not be getting what that EnergyStar  label promises.

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that some Energy Star products aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Responding to a request for investigation from Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine), the GAO submitted 20 fictitious products between June 2009 and March 2010 for certification by Energy Star, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Fifteen of the fakes–including a phony “room-air cleaner” that was little more than a space heater with a feather duster taped to it–received an Energy Star label.

Parade Magazine reports that in response, federal officials announced plans to strengthen the program. From now on, each application will be reviewed individually by an EPA staff member (as opposed to the automated approval process previously in place). By the end of the year, companies that want Energy Star certification for their products will be required to submit lab results from an independent testing agency rather than conduct their own evaluations.

Meanwhile, consumer advocates say we can still have faith in our Energy Star appliances: Most Energy Star brands on the market are about 10% more energy-efficient than their counterparts.

Sen. Collins applauds the reforms, calling them long overdue. “Energy Star wasn’t just slipping a bit,” she says. “It was in danger of falling off the quality cliff–putting taxpayers at risk of getting ripped off. Now that the EPA and DOE are moving to put more stringent oversight in place, I believe consumers will be better served and the integrity of the program will be restored.”

Approved Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs

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If you are wondering which Department of Energy (DOE) rebates are available in your state, just check out this interactive map.  There is also a simple table listing the individual states along with the total rebate dollars available, websites and phone numbers.

DOE has approved the appliance rebate programs for the states and territories linked or listed on this page as of April 27, 2010. This list and map will be updated as additional program details are available.  This DOE site is the only official DOE-sponsored Web site – beware of other unofficial sites.

Appliance Rebates are Here – But Not for Long

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The federal appliance rebates are finally here, but if you want yours, you’d better act fast.

According to the Wall Street Journal,  in Florida  the $17.6 million allocated for the program lasted a day and half, as more than 72,000 claims were filed. In Illinois, the second half of its $12.4 million, made available on Friday, April 16th disappeared in 11 hours.

Nationwide, $300 million in rebate money has been allocated by the federal government to 56 states and territories to encourage residents to buy furnaces, clothes washers, refrigerators and other appliances with the government’s Energy Star label. Typically, rebates run about $75 for a clothes washer and several hundred dollars for home heating and cooling systems.

But in an experience reminiscent of last year’s popular “cash for clunkers” program, which paid consumers to trade in gas-guzzling automobiles, interest in the appliance programs has been so been intense that the state programs are often running dry in a matter of days.

For example, Melissa Woodall, a single mother of three in Miami, said she began scanning appliance ads a few weeks ago for a new stove. She noticed an article about the rebates and decided to replace her old, leaky dishwasher and refrigerator.

The day before qualified purchases were allowed, she visited Sears to pick out the appliances. On Friday, she arrived to the store at 6:30 a.m. and found 49 customers in line. Fortunately, the store had given her a printout the night before. All she had to do was pay and arrange delivery, which still took an hour and a half in the crowded store.

And the ordeal was not over, Ms. Woodall said — she still had to get the rebate itself. At 11 a.m., when online signups began, she and her sister went to the state’s rebate site. “The Web site was flooded. It kept crashing,” she said. It took her an hour and 15 minutes to get registered for the rebate.

It was worth it, Ms. Woodall said. She paid about $1,500 for the dishwasher and fridge and will be getting about $500 back.

Each state has structured its own program, sometimes excluding certain appliances like air-conditioners or requiring proof that old appliances were recycled before paying out the cash. The amount of money available varies widely, from more than $35 million in California, where the program was scheduled to start on Thursday in connection with Earth Day, to $100,000 in American Samoa.

The federal government created the appliance rebate program as part of the 2009 stimulus legislation, and retailers say it has increased sales.

The high interest is understandable. The rebate programs come on top of existing discounts on Energy Star appliances, recycling and take-back rebates for old units, and specials provided by individual retailers. In some cases, consumers may qualify for federal or state tax credits, too.

Thermador Introduces New Steam and Convection Oven

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The new Thermador Steam and Convection Oven is the industry’s first steam oven to combine three distinct cooking solutions – Steam, True Convection and Combination (Steam and Convection) – with 40 automatic food programs and nine advanced cooking modes.

The oven features 40 EasyCook food programs that automatically set temperature and humidity levels for specific foods to ensure maximum results.

Nine advanced cooking modes meet every cooking need.
o True Convection (85-450oF) – A fan on the back wall distributes the heat evenly throughout. For moist cakes, sponge cakes and braised meat.
o Steaming (95-210oF) – For vegetables, fish, sides and extracting fruit juice.
o Combination (250-450oF) – A blend of steam and convection modes. For fish, soufflés and baked goods.
o Reheat (210-360oF) – Cooked food is gently reheated. The inflow of steam keeps the food moist, and brings back the original flavor, texture and crispness.
o Proof (95-120oF) – Steam and convection modes are combined to keep the surface of bread dough from drying out. This special cooking mode enables the dough to rise much faster than at room temperature.
o Slow Cook (140-250oF) – Tenderizes all meat cuts and types, especially roast beef and leg of lamb.
o Defrost (95-140oF) – Steam and convection modes are combined. Humidity transfers heat to the food, maintaining its moisture and shape. Ideal for fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
o Keep Warm (140-210oF) – Designed to keep food warm for up to one hour without drying it out.
o Dish Warm (85-160oF) – This mode prevents food in preheated ovenware from cooling as quickly. Perfect for ovenware and plates.

 Six Favorite settings allow automatic pre-programming for personal dishes and frequent recipes.
 The SteamClean feature steam-cleans the interior with a push of a button.

The Thermador Steam and Convection Oven will be available August 1, 2010 at high-end appliance retailers, for an MSRP ranging from $3,299 to $3,499.

Recall: Eastwind Industries Kuuma Stow and Go Grills Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at West Marine Stores

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Name of Product: Kuuma IR Stow and Go Grills

Units: About 4,600

Importer: Eastwind Industries Inc., of San Leandro, Calif.

Hazard: If the fuel container is not completely threaded on the regulator during installation, the propane tanks can leak fuel. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Eastwind Industries has received three reports of fires from leaking propane tanks, resulting in reports of minor burns to the hands.

Description: This recall involves Kuuma IR Stow and Go barbecue grills. The rectangle grill is stainless steel with the word “Kuuma” embossed on the front. The grill’s main housing measures 18 ½ inches long x 8 ½ inches tall x 10 inches deep. Model number 83726 is printed on the barcode label affixed to the packaging.

Sold exclusively at: West Marine stores nationwide from January 2009 through August 2009 for between $100 and $140.

Manufactured in: Thailand

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled barbecue grills and contact Eastwind for a new operator’s manual with revised graphic installation instructions. Consumers will also receive a new tool to use for maintenance and cleaning of the fuel system.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Eastwind Industries toll-free at (866) 995-8862 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kuumaproducts.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Recall: Lennox Hearth Products Vent-Free Gas Logs and Fireplaces Due to Gas Leak and Fire Hazards

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Name of product: Superior VFGL Vent-Free Gas Log Sets and VF Vent-Free Fireplaces

Units: About 5,700

Manufacturer: Lennox Hearth Products, of Nashville, Tenn.

Hazard: The front burners of vent-free gas log set fireplace inserts and the vent-free fireplaces can fail to ignite allowing gas to escape and posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Lennox received two reports from installers of the log sets failing to light. No injuries were reported.

Description: The recalled products are Lennox Superior brand VFGL Log Sets and VF4000, VF5000 and VF6000 fireplaces. Log sets are comprised of ceramic-fiber logs with a dual gas burner system and are designed to be placed in a wood-burning fireplace or a ventless firebox enclosure. Fireplaces are comprised of log sets, a ventless firebox enclosure and accessories. Each product has a metal rating plate attached to the grate of the log sets or to the frame of the fireplaces containing the unit’s model number, serial number and other information. The following models are affected by this recall:

Vent-Free Gas Log Set Models

VFGL18 — MSN — 4
VFGL18 — MSP — 4
VFGL24 — MSN — 4
VFGL24 — MSP — 4
VFGL28 — MSN — 4
VFGL28 — MSP — 4
VFGL18 — VSN — 4
VFGL18 — VSP — 4
VFGL24 — VSN — 4
VFGL24 — VSP — 4
VFGL28 — VSN — 4
VFGL28 — VSP — 4

Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Models

VF4000 — CHN — 2
VF4000 — CHP — 2
VF4000 — CMN — 2
VF4000 — CMP — 2
VF5000 — CMN — 2
VF5000 — CMP — 2
VF6000 — CMN — 2
VF6000 — CMP — 2

Included in this recall are units with serial numbers starting with “6408C” through “6408M,” and those starting with “6409.” Units that had repairs made to the burner assembly between March 2008 and December 2009 are also included.

Sold by: Various fireplace and HVAC retailers and installers from March 2008 through December 2009 for approximately $540 to $775 for the log sets and $1,300 to $1,850 for the fireplaces.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log sets and fireplaces and contact Lennox for information about how to arrange for a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Lennox Hearth Products at (800) 826-8546 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com


Whirlpool Wins $1.78 Million From LG in Patent Case

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According to Businessweek.com, Whirlpool Corp., the world’s largest appliance maker, won $1.78 million in patent- infringement damages from Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. in a continuing dispute over refrigerator technology.

After a seven-day trial in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, the jury of five women and three men also decided that Whirlpool didn’t infringe an LG icemaker patent. “We’re gratified that the jury found that our patent is both valid and infringed,” Scott F. Partridge, one of Whirlpool’s lawyers, said in an interview after the verdict.

LG, of Seoul, sued Benton Harbor, Michigan-based Whirlpool in 2008 alleging infringement of a U.S. patent for an ice dispenser. Whirlpool countersued, claiming LG infringed patents for in-door ice-access and warp-proof refrigerator liners. LG said in a statement it would seek a judicial review of the verdict.

During two days of deliberations, jurors repeatedly examined a row of LG and Whirlpool double-door refrigerators with icemakers lined up in the courtroom, comparing claims of the patents and how the equipment works.

LG had asked the jury to award it more than $1 million in royalties, and Whirlpool originally asked for a minimum of $22.1 million in its suit.

The case was complicated by a U.S. International Trade Commission ruling in Washington last month that LG didn’t violate a Whirlpool patent for ice storage and may still import refrigerators.

In its statement, LG said the jury “was not permitted to hear any evidence concerning the ITC investigation.”

LG is the No. 3 appliance maker behind Whirlpool and Sweden’s Electrolux AB. LG reported more than $7 billion in home appliance sales last year and is aiming to become the world’s largest maker of refrigerators and washing machines by 2012.

LG agreed to modify the design of the ice maker in some of its refrigerators to resolve part of the ITC dispute.

Recall: Commercial Ice Cube Machines by Scotsman Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Scotsman® Commercial Modular Cube Ice Machines (Modular Cubers)

Units: About 43,000

Manufacturer: Scotsman Group LLC, of Vernon Hills, Ill.

Hazard: The solenoid, an electrical component in the product, can fail and result in an electrical arc that can pose a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The company has received four reports of fires and 37 reports of burned or melted components, resulting in replacement of machines and component parts. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled machines are designed to be installed on top of ice storage bins or ice dispensers, and typically are used in commercial establishments. Model numbers begin with C0322, C0330, C0522, C0530, C0630, C0830, C1030, C1448, C1848, C2148, EH130, EH222, EH330, or EH430, and serial numbers of the recalled machines within these model designations begin with 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09. Model and serial numbers are on the back of all machines and, depending on the model, behind the machine’s front panel either in the lower right corner of the machine or on the left side of the sheet metal wall that separates the larger (equipment) compartment from the smaller (ice-making) compartment.

Scotsman® commercial flake and nugget ice machines, commercial undercounter cube ice machines, and residential ice machines are not involved in this recall.

Sold Exclusively at: Commercial food service equipment distributors and dealers nationwide from September 2006 through December 2009 for between $4,000 and $14,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Customers should stop using the recalled ice cube machines immediately and contact the company to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Scotsman at (800) 541-0520 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s Web site at www.scotsman-ice.com



SmellyWasher Will Get the Stink Out

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For years, Savage, Minnesota  resident Paul Flynn would go into people’s homes as an appliance repairman to eliminate odors from washing machines.

After seeing the problem over and over again, Flynn came up with a way to fix the problem that didn’t require him to take the machine apart by creating a product called SmellyWasher.

Recalling some concoctions he used to clean submarine parts while in the Navy, Flynn mixed ingredients together to eliminate the smell. About four years ago, he and a few others sat around his kitchen table pouring the mixture into plastic baggies and sending it to customers around the world.

Now SmellyWasher has grown so fast it’s the best-selling cleaning product sold worldwide in Ace Hardware stores.

His hometown Newspaper, The Savage Pacer writes:

Washing machines emit foul odors primarily because of poor washing habits, Flynn said.

Mold and mildew build up in the machine from using too much detergent, fabric softener and inappropriate water temperatures.

“It’s all our fault,” he said. “People don’t like to use less detergent. When they notice a smell, their first reaction is to add more detergent or fabric softener. That’s just exacerbating the problem … It’s up to us to change our washing habits. We can’t change the environment: washing machines are damp and dark. The only thing we can change is the food sources for the mold and germs to grow.”

Laundry loads don’t require more than a tablespoon of detergent, Flynn said. Using more is excessive and the residue builds up in the machine. Then when fabric softener is added during the rinse cycle, it also gets trapped and builds up.

Other “common sense” solutions, like using bleach or leaving the door open, also make the problem worse, he said.

“Bleach and vinegar will get some things out, but it will also leave a base for germs to build off of,” he said. “Leaving the door open increases air flow and makes it worse.”

Front-loading washers are even worse, Flynn said in terms of odor, because they have a larger tub, use less water and people use too much detergent.

SmellyWasher is a citrus-based mix of natural ingredients that removes the smell. It’s can also be used as a booster to maintain the cleanliness of the tub. The 24 ingredients are safe and all natural he said.

The idea for creating a mixture to fix the problem came from an experience Flynn had when he was in the Navy for four years. On one particular filed day, he ran short on cleaning supplies. A petty officer took him to the galley and showed him some combinations of regular items “that would do the job in a pinch,” he said.“I’m proud to say it’s an adaptation of that formula,” Flynn said. “I remembered it working well and relied on that when creating SmellyWasher.”

Bosch Adds to Upcoming State Appliance Rebates

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This year, from February through April, most of the U.S. states and territories will introduce customized rebate programs to encourage homeowners to replace their outdated, energy-wasting appliances in a fashion similar to the auto industry’s successful “Cash for Clunkers” program. To help inspire as many people as possible to make a green change in their homes, Bosch home appliances introduces additional rebate plans that can be used immediately, in conjunction with the SEEARP program, or with other rebates.

New Bosch Rebates

  • Up to $150 in rebates on the purchase of a Linea refrigerator through June 30, 2010
  • Up to $900 on select Bosch kitchen through May 31, 2010