Energy and environmental appraisal of domestic laundering appliances

Abstract

At a time when UK and Scottish governments are aiming for zero-carbon housing, there are two key issues for domestic laundering: passive indoor drying, affecting heating use and the indoor environment (addressed elsewhere); and energy and environmental impacts of appliances. Relevant findings are reported on the 2008-2011 study 'Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering', drawing on monitored data from 22 case studies out of 100 dwellings surveyed in Glasgow. Differing consumer traits and habits, combined with variable technical performance, provide quantitative and qualitative evidence of a wide estimated annual consumption range. Actual usage and energy consumption averaged less than UK predictions; and values did not necessarily correspond with manufacturers' energy ratings. In a wider discussion, case study median and mean extrapolations of electricity consumed by laundering (105 and 174 kWh/person-year) prove significant relative to the proportion of what could be available to a dwelling achieving the German Passivhaus standard. The potential for heat recovery from 'grey' water is posited along with other options for mitigating power consumed by appliances. Renewable technology to offset consumption in shared facilities is discussed as a means of easing the performance of individual homes. The foregoing aspects are among key conclusions directed at housing occupiers, providers, national and local governments, and industry.

Building tight – ventilating right? How are new air tightness standards affecting indoor air quality in dwellings?

“…(15) . Changes in lifestyle such as indoor clothes drying, are in part driven by changes in design and high levels of indoor humidity can have a major impact in terms of stimulating the growth of bacteria, mould fungal spores and HDM allergen generation (16) .…”

A simplified model for the electrical energy consumption of washing machines

“…Porteous et al [9] and Pakula and Stamminger [6] are more focused on washing machines. Porteous et al [9] evaluate the average energy consumption for washing machines through an analysis of 100 households in Glasgow.…”

“…Porteous et al [9] evaluate the average energy consumption for washing machines through an analysis of 100 households in Glasgow. Pakula and Stamminger [6] present a comparison between the average energy and water consumption for automatic laundry washing in different parts of the world.…”

The Great Scottish Housing Disaster: The Impacts of Feudalism, Modernism, Energy Efficiency and Vapour Barriers on Indoor Air Quality, Asthma and Public Health

“…More enlightened contemporary efforts have focused on fitting cavity or external insulation and double glazing, incorporating small slots in the upper window frame to allow what purports to be, an appropriate level of background ventilation. The effect however, has been to dramatically reduce internal air change rates that have now fallen to such a low level that internal water vapour build-ups from bathing, cooking and internal clothes drying [32] have resulted in exceptionally poor indoor air quality (IAQ) where high relative humidity supports the growth of bacterial pathogens and in particular, the growth of mould fungal spores that are particularly prevalent at multiple "cold bridges" in the building fabric.…”