Case Study #4 Condo owners can take climate action too! Two Positive Steps from a Condo Owner

Christine and Anton live in Farrar Pond Village. As condo owners they have less ability to change the envelope of their home but there are plenty of opportunities for interior upgrades!

Induction Stoves Rock!

They attended a CFREE meeting a few years ago where they learned about the benefits of induction stoves. They were pleased to learn that induction stoves don’t burn fossil fuels in the house so the indoor air is cleaner. Indoor air quality is very important to Christine, as she is sensitive to airborne contaminants. Her current gas cooktop was in need of replacement, so she did some reading and learned that chefs, too, were touting induction cooktops. She and Anton decided to give one a try. 

After researching brands, they settled on a 36” Bosch induction cooktop with five cooking zones. Christine loves the control it gives her. She appreciates not having to struggle to light the gas burner, or avoid the flame as she works. And no more checking to ensure that the gas is completely off. Cooking is an even greater pleasure with the precision of the induction system. And cleanup is a cinch!

Christine and Anton did need to buy some new pots and pans. Their cast iron, stainless and Le Creuset pots and pans worked but not their others. [You can check for appropriate pots by placing a magnet on the bottom — if it the magnet doesn’t stick, the pot won’t work on an induction cooktop.]

Saving Energy with a Heat Pump Dryer and Front-Load Washer

The following year, their electric clothes dryer died. Because the washer was connected with the dryer, they had to replace both.

Their new Miele heat pump ventless dryer uses only half the energy of their old one because it recycles the heat instead of constantly pumping it outside. In addition, it doesn’t heat up the house in the summer. It takes a bit longer to dry a load of clothes but it is quiet.

And the new Miele washer is great! The clothes coming out after the high-speed spin feel almost dry (which means even more savings on drying costs!). An additional bonus was the Water Department’s $150 Conservation Rebate, granted because front-load washers use so much less water than conventional ones.