Dishwashers can save water and money
Dishwashers can save water and money
Liam Gawne from leading appliance manufacturer, Miele, offers an overview on how choosing a water- and energy-saving dishwasher can benefit both the environment and your pocket.
25 February 2016, Johannesburg: With the many water shortages that have plagued South Africa of late, there has been a lot of focus on ways to save water in the home. Most homeowners are familiar with the obvious offenders – don’t water your garden, don’t fill your pool, shower instead of bathing – however, few are very well versed on how choosing a water-saving dishwasher can not only help you with the tedious task of washing and drying your dishes, but they can also save a lot of water.
So says Liam Gawne from leading appliance manufacturer, Miele: “Contrary to popular belief, using a water-saving dishwasher can actually help save thousands of litres of water every year, which is not only good for the environment, but it is also good for your pocket.” He says that saving water is not just about using this precious resource carefully, but that it also has a ripple money-, water-and energy-saving effect: “Saving water helps reduce water and wastewater treatment costs, and the amount of energy required to treat, pump and heat the water. This in turn lowers the energy demand, which helps prevent air pollution.”
As South Africa’s population continues to grow, demands on our precious water resources increase. Combine this with an already stressed water supply, means that our water resources should be used with extreme care. Today, there are many ways to use water more efficiently in our homes, without having to make uncomfortable compromises – in fact, homes that have installed water-efficient plumbing solutions and appliances in their homes can save up to 30% annually of the indoor water used an yield substantial savings on water, sewer and energy bills. One way to start saving today, is to invest in a water-efficient dishwasher.
Tips for buying a water-efficient dishwasher
If you are still of the opinion that hand-washing is more water-efficient than using a dishwasher, then think again… Liam explains: “Washing by hand may be quick and easy for a few dishes, but it won’t always save water when compared to a fully-loaded dishwasher. Aside form the extra effort – it would be virtually impossible to wash up to 130 items using 6,5 litres of water. This is what a Miele dishwasher is able to achieve, plus it does all the hard slog for you, and it does it well!”
He provides the following tips for consumers who are looking to invest in a water-efficient dishwasher:
Check the energy rating: This is imperative – the EU energy label is found on all new dishwashers at the point of sale, and provides a good indication of how much energy and water a model typically uses. All dishwashers are graded from A+++, being the most efficient and cheapest to run, through to D, which is the least efficient. The energy efficiency of dishwashers is expressed in kilowatt-hours per year. The label also shows figures of annual water consumption (litres), drying and wash performance efficiency (rated from A to G), and noise levels. Says Liam: “Miele dishwashers boast the best energy ratings currently on the market – rated with an A+++ rating, they require a mere 0,83 kWh, use a maximum of 6,5 litres of water for each load, and they are A-rated for wash performance and drying efficiency. It is also barely audible when in use, with low noise levels from 41dB.”
Look for added energy- and water-saving features: Dishwasher technology has made great strides over the last decade, and any high-end model should include several innovations that reduce energy and water consumption, while simultaneously improving performance. Says Liam: “Aside from the standard functions, Miele’s dishwashers offer a range of other eco-friendly features. One such feature is automatic load recognition technology, which automatically adjusts water and electrical consumption to suit the amount of dishes in the machine. This makes it viable to use the dishwasher, even when it is only half full. Some other features include SmartStart technology, which allows the machine to switch on automatically when the electricity tariffs are least expensive; and the EcoFeedback technology shows you the estimated consumption on the machine’s display, so that you can keep track of what energy and water is being used. Miele’s SolarSave programme is especially impressive – it is ideal for households that have a solar heat system, a heat pump or a gas-oil heating system, because it only uses the temperature of the already heated, incoming water. Thanks to the intelligent programme management feature, you can achieve a sensationally low electricity consumption of 0.05 kWh per wash cycle.”
Choose the right size: Standard dishwashers are designed to hold up to 14 international place settings, which is the ideal size for family requirements. Liam notes: “There are more compact models currently on the market, that can hold between 8 and 6 place settings. Although these are suitable for single-living, it is important to bear in mind that if you operate a compact model more frequently, over time you may actually use more energy than you would using a standard model.”
Choose a dishwasher with advanced technology: Added technology will make your dishwasher more efficient, convenient and easier to use. Liam advises that it is imperative to choose a dishwasher with soil sensors that test how dirty dishes are throughout the wash and adjusts the cycle to achieve optimum cleaning and minimum water and energy usage. Other technological advancements recommended by Liam include improved water filtration, which removes food soils from the wash water allowing efficient use of detergent and water; more efficient jets, which use less energy to spray detergent and water when cleaning; and innovative dish rack designs, such as Miele’s 3D cutlery tray and Maxi Comfort baskets for example, which maximise cleaning and capacity by strategically positioning the dishes.
Choose a dishwasher with several wash cycle options: This allows you to adjust the programme to suit the dishes inside the machine. For example, if your dishes are only slightly soiled, then you can use a light or energy-saving wash cycle, which uses less water and operates for a shorter period of time. Says Liam: “Miele’s Generation 6000 range of dishwashers boast a variety of automatic programmes, including Sensor Wash, Quick Wash 40°C, Sensor Wash Gentle, Normal 55°C, Intensive 75°C, ECO, Extra Quiet, Solar Save, Machine Cleaning, Eco Feedback. These programmes take the guess work out of the equation and ensures maximum effectiveness and efficiency.”
Download as PDF