Sears Expands Commitment to Conservation With Introduction of Kenmore Elite High Efficiency Appliance and Educational Alliance With Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program
This fall, Sears is helping consumers attain greener homes without sacrificing appliance performance by rolling out the Kenmore Elite庐 dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology, and the SteamCare鈩� Washer and Dryer lines, along with a new alliance with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program. The high efficiency appliances offer significant water and energy savings, while providing unsurpassed cleaning performance and sleek, modern style.
"Consumers understand that small changes made in their homes can have a significant impact on the environment," said Tina Settecase, vice president and general manager of home appliances, Sears Holdings Corp. "Today, Sears -- the recognized leading retailer of ENERGY STAR庐 appliances -- is announcing a partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program to better educate consumers on conserving water and energy in their homes. We call it 'doing more to use less' water and energy, and today, we're very pleased to introduce the Kenmore Elite dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology, which uses 41 percent* less water compared to dishwashers manufactured seven years ago."
In October 2007, the Kenmore brand and Roots & Shoots will launch a comprehensive home energy conservation initiative to help consumers nationwide make informed water- and energy-saving decisions to bring about a meaningful conservation difference. As part of the initiative, $25 will be donated to the Roots & Shoots Program for every Kenmore Elite dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology sold between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7, 2007. Other program elements include:
-- Distribution of educational materials featuring easy-to-understand
tips for saving water and energy at home. The materials also will be
available on the Kenmore.com and Roots & Shoots Web sites
().
-- Media outreach to help deliver this information to consumers.
-- Appearances at select Sears stores by Roots & Shoots volunteers, where
they will distribute energy-saving tips and answer customers'
questions.
"By collaborating with Roots & Shoots and continuing to develop innovative, high efficiency products that exceed ENERGY STAR庐 standards, we can better help homeowners do their part for the environment, while still delivering the function and simplicity expected of the Kenmore name," Settecase said.
Skip the Sink with Kenmore Elite dishwashers with Ultra WashHE Technology
Kenmore Elite dishwashers with Ultra WashHE technology improve and simplify the dishwashing process by eliminating the need for pre-rinsing dishes altogether. Smarter use of energy and water, unprecedented effectiveness and quiet operation combine to create the first Kenmore Elite high efficiency dishwasher line.
Smarter Design Creates Energy Savings
The high efficiency Ultra WashHE motor uses 75 watts of energy -- the same required to turn on a light bulb. It uses 34 percent less energy and 41 percent less water than seven- to 10-year-old dishwashers. Ultra WashHE models exceed 2007 ENERGY STAR (1) standards, qualifying for a $60 federal tax credit after purchase in many states.
Adding to the efficiency, the dishwasher employs a state-of-the-art filter that keeps water cleaner by removing soil and food particles throughout operation. Because the water stays clean, it eliminates the need to introduce and heat additional water during the cycle. The filter is easily maintained, requiring only a quick rinse in the sink to restore it to optimal cleaning performance.
The new line utilizes SmartWash鈩E sensors to assess the load's soil level and employ the minimum amount of water and energy required for cleaning. The sensors reassess and adjust twice more during the cycle to tackle any remaining food particles and ensure best performance.
The "top rack only" option allows consumers to wash partial loads in the top rack to conserve water and energy that might otherwise go to waste when the dishwasher is operated without a full load. Applicable on any cycle, it can reduce wash time by seven to 18 minutes depending on cycle selection.
Steam and Sound
The dishwasher line introduces steam to the washing cycle, sanitizing with the power of steam and better protecting family members from bacteria that could linger if washed by a traditional dishwasher. The QuietControl鈩� sound package keeps dishwasher noise at 47 dBA, so the only clue the dishwasher is in operation is the LED status lights on the front panel.
The Kenmore Elite dishwasher with the Ultra WashHE feature will be available in White, Bisque, Black and Stainless Steel. Pricing ranges from $799 to $1,249 depending on color and model.
Steam Meets High Efficiency in the Laundry Room
The new Kenmore Elite washer and dryer use SteamCare鈩� technology to create powerful cleaning and wrinkle and odor reduction in high efficiency laundry appliances. During the past decade, the brand has released several high efficiency models, culminating in the introduction of today's SteamCare washers that combine high efficiency operation with trademark Kenmore style, simplicity and powerful stain removal.
Efficient Operation
The Kenmore Elite SteamTeam鈩� pairing includes a steam washer and steam dryer. The washer delivers the best combination of cleaning, capacity, and energy and water usage (2) and exceeds 2007 ENERGY STAR standards by 50 percent.(3) Using 73 percent less water and 77 percent less energy than conventional washers manufactured before 2004(4), the HE5t Steam delivers more than $166 in total annual savings. Additionally, the Save Energy Plus option conserves up to 26 percent more energy(5) without hindering performance.
The SteamTeam鈩� pair also makes efficient use of consumers' time by offering larger capacity drums (7.4 cu. ft.) that can clean/dry up to 23 bath towels in a single load. The king-sized dryer capacity accommodates large loads and allows clothes to properly expand during the cycle for superior drying.
SteamCare鈩� Tackles Stains and Wrinkles
The Steam Treat option cleans assorted stains in a single load by slowly increasing the temperature of the wash cycle with a gentle yet penetrating blast at the end of the cycle. This unique feature eliminates the need for pre-sorting laundry by stain. The Timed Oxi鈩� feature improves the performance of oxygen-based stain removers during the cleaning cycle by releasing them into the washer at the optimal time. The Steam Sanitize option employs steam to sanitize and eradicate certain types of bacteria from clothing -- a feature that is NSF庐 certified.
Kenmore Elite dryers with SteamCare spray a fine mist over fabrics early in the cycle while the dryer simultaneously heats the laundry to reduce creases. The "Refresh" cycle relaxes wrinkles and removes odors from up to four garments, making them ready to wear in 15 minutes, while the "Touch Up" cycle quickly refreshes loads left in the dryer too long after a cycle has finished.
The HE5t SteamTeam pairing will be available in White and Barolo, with HE3t Steam models available in white. Available in Sears stores Sept. 30, pricing is:
HE3t Steam Washer in white (model 46742) -- $1399.99 HE5t Steam Washer in white (model 47781) -- $1599.99 HE5t Steam Washer in Barolo (model 47789) -- $1699.99 HE3 Steam Electric Dryer in white (model 86747) -- $1299.99 HE3 Steam Gas Dryer in white (model 96747) -- $1359.99 HE5 Steam Electric Dryer in white (model 87721) -- $1299.99 HE5 Steam Gas Dryer in white (model 97721) -- $1359.99 HE5 Steam Electric Dryer in Barolo (model 87729) -- $1399.99 HE5 Steam Gas Dryer in Barolo (model 97729) -- $1459.99 About Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 926 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End -- among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at .
About the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program
Founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students, the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen -- for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe, connecting youth of all ages who share a common desire to help make the world a better place. Roots & Shoots fosters a fun, flexible and supportive environment where young people and adults alike come together to share ideas and inspiration, implement community service projects and participate in special events and global campaigns. The powerful, interactive Roots & Shoots website, at , provides members with helpful online tools that allow them to connect globally and take action to make a difference.
* based on the normal cycle, using average water, sewer and electricity
rates and electric water heater
(1) Based on DOE testing
(2) Among leading brand front load washers, based on overall performance
including cleaning, capacity, water and energy usage
(3) Based on DOE testing
(4) Based on the normal cycle
(5) Based on Whitest Whites cycle with and without the option
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
CONTACT: Larry Costello of Sears, Roebuck and Co., +1-847-286-9036,
lcoste5@searshc.com; or Kara Cook, +1-312-616-2404, kcook@ckpr.biz, for Sears,
Roebuck and Co.
Web site: