The cost of living has shut up since the global recession struck in 2009. The average family spends a lot of time thinking of how to lower utility bills and reduce daily spending.
An audit of energy usage in the home is a great place to start, given the soaring cost of electricity. Household appliances account for about 35 per cent of all power consumed (in the home), which makes many to consider purchasing new, energy efficient refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners.
Recently, LG Electronics announced that its refrigerators with inverter linear compressors have been recognised for energy saving capabilities and quiet performance.
This was confirmed in tests carried out by the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE), one of Europe’s largest and most respected scientific and technical associations.
The compressor enables fridges to work efficiently, effectively and silently.
“We are extremely proud to have the exceptional qualities of our inverter linear compressor fridges confirmed by an organisation as prestigious as (VDE),” said LG Electronics West Africa General Manager (Home Appliances), Hyunwoo Jung.
He added: “Since 2001, our linear compressor models have been delivering convenience, quiet and energy savings to consumers worldwide. LG will continue to work hard to develop the next generation of outstanding home appliances.”
In tests carried out by VDE, refrigerators incorporating the inverter linear compressor proved to be about 50 per cent more energy efficient than those equipped with conventional reciprocal compressors.
This helps to lower monthly household electricity bills.
VDE also noted that the products with inverter linear compressors are about 25 per cent quieter compared to those fitted with reciprocal compressors, and produces a sound level similar to that of a hushed study room.
Just like high electricity bills, a noisy home can be a significant source of stress.
Constant exposure to low frequency noise can have a negative impact on health; causing anxiety, irritation and affecting sleep and concentration.
The humming, whirring and clicking generated by conventional home appliances make it hard to truly relax and unwind. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the refrigerator is typically one of the chief disturbers-of-the-peace, not to mention a major user of electricity.
On the whole, appliances that use less energy are very attractive to the growing number of consumers concerned with their impact on the environment.
LG has also introduced another type of compressor, known as inverter compressor, which provides cool temperature inside the refrigerator based on the cooling requirement of the refrigerator.
It is optimal for top freezers as they guarantee energy savings of up to 36 per cent when compared with non-inverter compressors.
Abimbola Kadiri, a secondary school teacher in the Abule-Egba area of Lagos, said poor power supply nationwide has driven consumers to embrace inverter powered-technology.
“I have to auction all my former home appliances through OXL to acquire inverter driven devices.
“Since this invention I have no reason to bother about epileptic power supply in Nigeria,” Kadiri stated.
A petty trader in Ikeja, Nkechi Okike, reiterated that she and other women “have embraced these products because they have reduced utility bills significantly.”
