APPLIANCES

Our kitchen and laundry appliances are supplied by AEG-Electrolux, a brand with a track record of high quality, energy and water efficient designs. All the appliances are A rated or better.

Given our ambition to live in a 'zero carbon' house where we use no more energy than we generate on-site, the energy efficiency of our appliances is critical, given how big a slice of the energy pie they consume.

All our appliances are electric, as this is the fuel that we will be making on our solar roof. If you have the choice, however, gas itself is a better option than electricity generated from gas, coal or oil, given the energy losses inherent in the latter. But even gas hobs have serious competition from electric induction hobs, which only generate heat in the pan. See my column for 10.8.05 for a fuller discussion.

For details of AEG-Electrolux products see aeg-electrolux.co.uk or call 08705 350 350.