Honeycomb cellular shades are in line with new energy-saving standard

New energy efficiency standards proposed for residential refrigerators and freezers by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) could save consumers about $18.6 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years.


Green Source magazine reports the refrigerator standard is the latest efficiency benchmark set by DOE. New standards approved for more than 20 household and commercial products are expected to save up to $300 billion through 2030. In addition, enforcement of appliance standards have led to the removal of almost 70 non-compliant products from the marketplace.


Another energy-savings measure consumers can take in their kitchens is the use of window treatments like honeycomb cellular shades, which trap air to conserve heat in winter and cool down hot rooms in summer. The shades are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to a contemporary or a traditional-style kitchen.


In environmental terms, the magazine reports the new refrigerator standard could lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 300 million metric tons through 2043 with fewer coal-fired power plants needed to generate power.
 

"As technologies continue to improve to meet these latest standards, we will help to address climate change while saving families across the country billions of dollars," said DOE secretary Steven Chu.