Eco Kitchen: Replacing Appliances

Picking out new kitchen appliances can be a daunting task.

Here are the basic questions you should ask yourself when first undertaking this project:

1) What are the built-in appliances you absolutely need?

2) Are you replacing existing appliances and not changing cabinetry? If so, detailed measurements need to be taken of existing appliances, so that new appliances will fit.

3) What counter-top appliances are necessary for your kitchen?  Are you OK with them sitting out on the counter, or will they be put away between use, or is there a way to build them into surrounding cabinetry, especially if they'll be used frequently?

The next few steps are the fun part:  Browse online and in person at showrooms to determine the style and finish you like for your new appliances.  Just make sure it works with existing cabinetry!  Keep this step to aesthetics only.  You don't want to narrow yourself down to one or two brands before considering this very important next step....

EnergyStar

When looking for appliances, one of your first stops should be the EnergyStar website.  Research which appliances can be EnergyStar qualified and choose appliances that have this qualification.  Not all appliances can be qualified, so it's best to know which ones cannot so you don't drive yourself crazy looking for something that doesn't exist.  If you're too busy to do this, have someone do this for you since it is such an important step. An interior designer or architect would be the ideal person, since they will also take into account other requirements of each appliance (electrical or gas connections, necessary clearances, ventilation, etc).

Disposal

Besides choosing energy efficient appliances, how you dispose of your existing appliances will also be critical in the overall environmental footprint of your renovation.  If the installer of the new appliances is taking out the old ones, ask them where they go.  If they drop it in a landfill, find another solution!   Some other options include:

1) If your appliances are still in pretty good shape, well in advance of your renovation, list them on CraigsList. You can stipulate when they need to be picked-up so that you're not without appliances for a long period of time.

2) If you can't sell them, list them on the FreeCycle Network.  There's probably someone within short driving distance who will take them off your hands.  This is a vibrant network of local individuals who are willing to trade usable goods, which otherwise might be a hassle to sell.  Just visit the website, find your local chapter, and sign up!

3) Donate to local building materials collection site.  This includes a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or other architectural salvage shop, such as one we have here in Fairfield County called Green Demolitions.

4) If none of the above are an option and the appliances have to be disposed of, many town transfer stations have recycling areas for your appliances. You could have the installer drop them off there instead of your appliances taking up space in a landfill. 

5) If your town does not accept appliances at the transfer station, check with IRecycle to find another recycling option near you.  This app is useful for finding places to recycle all your household and business junk!

Ultimately this should be a fun process...  Enjoy!