Green Blog

Both front loaded and top loaded washing machines have their advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn, which model you should choose, when you are looking for a new washing machine.

The top loading washing machine is a classic in most homes in USA. It is difficult to find a housewife who has not used this model at some point. And it is also a great model for many reasons.

The top loaded model has a shorter washing cycle than the front loaded type, which gives you a faster washing time. It is also better for older people, because you do not have to bend down to load it. And the price for the washing machine is also cheaper.

But it does also have some disadvantages. Because of the use of an agitator, there will be greater wear and tear in the clothes. But more serious it is also less energy effective, because of the use of more water and electricity.

The front loading washing machine is popular in many European countries. And its popularity is also rising in USA. The reason is first of all because of the lower energy consumption.

The top loading washing machine uses up to 60 % more water and electricity compared to the front loading machine. So even though the front loader version is more expensive to buy, the savings can be huge in the everyday life.

Even with the same capacity the front loading type is smaller, sleeker and better looking than the traditional top loading washing machine.

But the frontloaded washing machine does also have its share of disadvantages. It is more expensive upfront than the top loader model. And it is also more difficult to load, which can be a problem for older people. The washing time is also longer (because it does not use an agitator).

So which type should you choose? Well, it depends. If you care for the environment (and your money) you should choose a frontloaded washing machine. It uses much less water and energy.

But if it is important to you, that you can wash quickly, the frontloading type is better for you. The same apply if you are older.

Martin Elmer is writing about washing machines in Vaskemaskiner. Read more about buying washing machines in vaskemaskiner topbetjent .

You may be surprised to learn that a wood burning heater is carbon neutral? You are not alone, the fact is wood is a carbon neutral fuel. This is because it absorbs just as much carbon dioxide in its growth as it releases when it is burnt. So it’s a eco friendly way to keep warm.

Burning wood is suitable for most households with a chimney so you should be able to get all the benefits of a wood burning or solid fuel heater. In a typical single room installation it could save up to 10% - 30% on your heating bills if you use oil or gas, and a lot more if you use electricity.

They look great too! A woodburning heater will become the focal point of the room and with so many wood burners to choose there is a burner to suit all tastes and sizes. In addition to looking good nothing beats the feeling of a real fire.

Always follow the correct regulations, you must always make sure any woodburning stove you choose is installed by a registered fitter not only because it will result in a more efficient burning of your wood, it is of course safer.

Speak to your local council office who can tell you if you are in a smoke restricted area. Many local authorities have a smokeless policy so woodburning may not be an option for you. If in doubt ask.

Now to your fuel, what can you burn on a wood-burner? Well, logs are the most common form of fuel at the moment and these can usually be collected from local sources. It is most important that they are dry and well seasoned - if they’re not you should store them for at least a year. And if you are burning “pure” wood the chimney needs sweeping twice a year.

Sawmills can be an excellent source of off cut wood so checkout and see if you have a local business or sawmill, this could save you a packet. Even wood offcuts are carbon neutral.

Hand made logs made for wood pulp or waste paper are also another alternative. They are made from waste paper and sawdust and bound together into log shapes with an inflammable sealant that makes them easy to light. But they take time to create and could prove more expensive.

There are other options, too, such as briquettes. The route you choose should obviously suit you pocket and the world around you.

Before you buy a Wood burning stove checkout Grenadiers authentic African Wood burning stoveand their award winning electric firelighter

Are you looking for a bright idea to save money, save energy, and join the green revolution? Then look no further than your nearest light fixture!

Its probably still using the traditional incandescent bulbs invented over 100 years ago by Edison. Unfortunately, those bulbs are only using 10% of the energy consumed for lighting. That’s right … 90% of the energy consumed is wasted!

Well, the future is here. CFL or compact fluorescent lights are here as well as LED bulbs (light emitting diodes). These bulbs are far more efficient, saving you money and helping society to reduce carbon pollution. Learn more below.

Compact fluorescent bulbs have the following benefits in comparison to incandescent bulbs:

1. These bulbs will work in existing lamps and ceiling fixtures, including three-way brightness and dimmers.

2. They are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

3. They come in many different shapes and sizes, including traditional shape, globe-shaped vanity styles, and candelabra look, and floodlight style.

4. These bulbs can also be found at various brightnesses and colors including natural daylight and incandescent glow.

5. CFLs use approximately 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

6. You pay a bit more for compact fluorescent bulbs initially but they last much longer (up to 10 times).

7. They are produced by familiar and trusted names in the light bulb business such as General Electric, Philips, Sylvania and Westinghouse.

Light emitting diode bulbs are another even more efficient alternative:

1. Light emitting diode bulbs last approximately 100 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.

2. LEDs also use only 10% of the energy of a standard lightbulb

3. LEDs are especially great for battery-powered or rechargeable gear for camping or emergencies.

4. Light emitting diodes are perfect for many lighting applications including spa and pool lights, track lighting, reading lights, nightlights, and Christmas lights.

The difference it would make countrywide in our energy usage and carbon emissions, if we all switched to compact fluorescent or light admitting diodes would be profound. Not only that but our energy budgets would see big-time savings.

You can find CFLs or LEDs at your local retailer, or they can be purchased online at www.bulbs.com.

Al Arbuckel enjoys writing useful and valuable articles for the online community about saving energy and money at home. If you liked this article you might also enjoy reading about the energy saving possibilites with tankless gas water heaters and the Bosch tankless water heater on websites he has recently created.