Whirlpool
Corp. has been selected as a Centex Sustainability Partner by U.S. homebuilder
Centex Corp. Accordingly, Centex will install Energy Star-qualified Whirlpool and
KitchenAid refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry appliances as standard
in Centex Energy Advantage homes nationwide. In addition to helping homeowners
save more energy, the agreement includes sustainable appliance choices that use
steam technology.
New Centex
Energy Advantage homes include a suite of energy-efficient features installed
as standard nationwide. According to a study commissioned with the NAHB
Research Center, these homes are up to 22% more efficient than comparable new
homes built to the most widely used energy efficiency code, the 2006
International Energy Conservation Code. When compared to a typical 10-year-old
home, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program,
the Centex Energy Advantage homes in the study were shown to be up to 40% more
energy efficient.**
“Appliances from Whirlpool and
KitchenAid brands can play a major role in helping to lower utility costs and
save energy,” said Scott Richter, executive vice president of operations
support at Centex. “Combined with an entire suite of other building products
and features, these homes are designed to give homeowners more control of their
home’s operating costs long after moving in.”
New
appliance offerings with steam technology available for Centex Energy Advantage
homes include:
- Whirlpool Duet Steam
Washer and Dryer allow homeowners to naturally steam out wrinkles and odors in
the dryer and tough stains without pre-treating in the washer. The Energy Star-qualified
washer saves up to 73% water and 77% energy compared to conventional washers
manufactured before 2004.
- KitchenAid and Whirlpool
brand dishwashers offer models with a steam option to provide the same cleaning
power, while using less water. The steam option enhances an existing wash
cycle. These dishwashers are also Energy
Star-qualified.
- Select Whirlpool brand
electric ranges are equipped with a SteamClean option for cleaning light spills
on the oven floor. These ranges also have an industry-first Energy Save mode.
The feature conserves electricity when the oven is not in use, making these
models 290% more efficient than previous Whirlpool brand ranges. Similar to a
computer “sleep” mode, Energy Save mode dims extra features, such as the
digital clock or control display.
For more information on Whirlpool
Corp. and its offerings for building professionals, visit
insideadvantage.com
or call 800/253-3977.
** This study
evaluated the energy efficiency gains attributable to the Centex Energy
Advantage features in a variety of single-family floor plans typical of the
Centex product line in the various climate zones where the Company currently
operates. Not all floor plans, building materials or construction techniques
were evaluated in the study. Efficiency gains will vary for other plan types,
building materials, construction techniques and change of climate zone.
