Extension homemakers leam to use appliances wisely BIGLERVILLE - Over 100 homemakers learned the im portance of using appliances wisely to conserve energy as they convened for their annual Ex tension Homemakers Day last Thursday. Diane V. Brown, regional program leader in family living for the Penn State Extension Service, told the group that there can be up to 75 percent difference in the amount of energy it takes to prepare the same meal, depending upon work habits, which ap pliances they use and how they use the appliances. Brown told the group that small appliances can be hidden helpers, but some are very expensive. She pointed out that appliances use energy directly and indirectly since most of them are petroleum based and many are made of non biodegradable materials. She challenged the women to think of Mower-Conditioners *OWIDlf* o>' \ new ways of using old appliances to get the most mileage from them. Most small appliances are great energy savers because they are low wattage, usually have more direct contact with heating elements, have thermostatic controls and are solid state which means they are more energy ef ficient. In a study of the use of ap pliances to prepare different food items, Brown pointed out that the toaster oven was consistently the most efficient energy user com pared with a broiler, a convection oven, a microwave oven and a conventional oven. The microwave was the next most efficient, but Brown said that the payoff in energy savings does not begin until you get your original investment out of it. In the case of a microwave oven, the payoff period will be 8 to 8% years if you pay 8 cents per KWH and use conditioning rolls in the Model 489 mower conditioner are located in the ime, not the header The lighter header quicker to ground contours and greatly knife and guard damage The 489 is for operators who demand the very best BRANCH DDiiiru Rts 3M A Ino mSSSUL Nm Tnooli PA Lobachsville, Oley, PA (215) 767-7611 (215) 987-6221 or 987-6257 Mon -Fn 7 30A.M -5 00P.M Mon-Fn 730 AM 500 PM Sat. 730 AM.-12.30 PM Sat 730 AM 12 30PM the appliance for the majority of the food preparation every day. She noted that saving time is an important factor, but homemakers should be aware of the actual savings they may or may not receive with high ticket items. One of the largest guzzlers of electricity in the home is the refrigerator which is 12-14 years old. A freezer can also be a guzzler, Brown maintained. She said the secret is planning, organizing and controlling the food put into and taken out of a refrigerator or freezer. She encouraged the use of an insulated drink container in the summer to give the children drinks. Refrigerators have greatly in creased in efficiency over the last few years, and the most efficient new refrigerator is one with the freezer on the bottom. Un fortunately, these models are difficult to find. Since the late lei 499 Haybme® mower condi makers all you ve been asking for :conds to switch from swath to Patented Rolareel header and rubber conditioning rolls offer itimate in cutting and condition ed dual sickles assure top capac tough conditions This one s got ★ 3 LOCATIONS * Trumbauersville to Finland Rd , Quakertown, PA (215) 536-1935 or 536-7523 Mon -Fn. 7.30 A.M.-9 00 PM Sat 730A.M.-4.00PM Diane Brown, left, and Peg Mearns spoke to over 100 homemakers at the annual Extension Homemakers Day last Thursday. 1970’s Brown said refrigerators have improved in efficiency by 56 percent. She added that a manual defrost is the most efficient followed by a partial defrost which will take 17 percent more energy and the automatic defrost which takes 45- 50 percent more energy. Never theless, she added, “Our time is worth something.” Placement of appliances can also add to energy conservation. Refrigerators should not be placed next to ranges, nor in front of windows that get morning or af ternoon sun. Air must be allowed to circulate around the refrigerator and coils should be cleaned once or twice a year, she said. When using the range, choosing the right size burner will conserve energy, as well as putting a lid on pans and using pans with a heat conducting material. Shiny drip pans are also energy savers. Self-cleaning and continuous clean ovens take more energy, but self-cleaning ovens are very well insulated, adding to their general efficiency, Brown noted. She also said that selecting a pilotless ingition on a gas range will save a lot of energy. Convection ovens are becoming “hot news” in the consumer market, she said, adding that it combines the best of many worlds, using less wattage and lower degree temperature TRI-COUNTY LEBANON, PA 17042 I SWINE SYSTEMS Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Hay 5,1984—81 S In the life cycle of an appliance Brown said the cost can be broken down with 58 percent of the total going for energy, 36 percent for the initial purchase price of the ap pliance and 6 percent for repairs. Other speakers at the program included Peg Mearns, a retired extension home economist, and Sally B. Bair, homemaker and Lancaster Fanning correspon dent. Mearns has learned the in tricacies of weaving since her retirement and operates a business from her home in Adams County. She told the women they should find work that is important to them and that will give them a sense of achievement and approval. When they take up a hobby or a craft she said they have a responsibility to make it as good as they can, and they should make sure there is the opportunity to learn something new or better as they achieve success. Sally Bair encouraged the women to feel they can make the choice of staying in the home with ' their children. She said volunteer work can provide a stimulating outlet as well as provide skills which can be of use if a mother should need to find employment. Many crafts were on display representing the programs which the various homemakers groups had held throughout the year.
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