According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting, refrigeration and cooking are responsible for more than 41 percent of a home’s energy consumption. Whirlpool believes that’s too much, and has developed a new line of appliances designed to be as much as 290 percent more efficient than previous models. Included in the Eco Kitchen line, which was unveiled this week at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas, are a Resource Saver refrigerator, Resource Saver dishwasher and Energy Save range.

With energy use equivalent to powering a 60-watt light bulb, the Resource Saver refrigerator exceeds Energy Star standards by 10 percent. To help stretch the dollar even further and better preserve food, the refrigerator’s 6th Sense technology automatically adjusts cooling to bring existing food to the desired temperature in half the time. A Fast Cool button immediately drops the refrigerator and/or freezer temperatures to accommodate new food additions, such as hot leftovers.

The fridge joins Whirlpool’s Resource Saver dishwasher. The dishwasher uses one-third less water and energy than dishwashers manufactured seven years ago. The savings is the result of greater water pressure to break up more food more efficiently. Synchronized spray arms clean dishes on the upper rack first, followed by the lower rack, resulting in enhanced cleaning performance.

Also in the Eco Kitchen line are two ranges equipped with an Energy Save mode. The feature conserves electricity when the oven is not is use. Similar to a computer’s sleep mode, it dims extra features such as the digital clock and control display.

The Resource Saver dishwasher and Energy Save mode ranges are currently at a starting price of $799 and $699, respectively. The Resource Saver refrigerator will be available in March for $2,099.

Lisa Montgomery - Contributing Writer

Lisa Montgomery has been writing about home technology for 15 years, with a focus on the impact of electronics on a modern lifestyle.