Oh Whatever ***rolls eyes***

[sudsmaster]

McMansions

Well, for a time it seemed like the only new homes being built in new Calif. subdivisions were McMansions. Like two story, four plus bedroom, 3,000 sq ft affairs. I started to feel left out because my '41 home is only 1,650sq ft, and about 1/3 of that is in a '70's addition. In town, however, nearly all the new home construction I've seen has been attached condo style. Still big, but probably much more energy efficient than the McMansions in the burbs.

Unfortunately there really can't be much argument that a vintage top loading automatic washer will use at least twice as much water as a modern front loader. With California in an extended drought, water conservation is becoming more and more important. So while I like the old top loaders in my collection, the only machines that get regular use are the front loaders.

 

[maytag63]

I am into classic cars and one article in a magazine that I read last year referenced that the state of Vermont was trying to pass a law prohibiting older cars of a certain age to be driven in their state because of pollution and the carbon footprint they leave behind. Of course, vintage car owners were up in arms about it. I can see this craziness’ happening for older appliances too!

 

[sudsmaster]

Well, here in California, there are strict smog rules for cars made since 1975. Earlier than that, they are exempt from bi-annual testing/certification. There have been noises about going after older cars, but so far these have not been successful. Originally there was supposed to be a "rolling exemption" where cars older than 25 years were exempted. But they halted that some years ago; otherwise cars older than 1984 would be exempt today. It does add the expense of keeping a car (the smog inspection fee is around $70) and it can interfere with attempts to improve/modify the engine so that it still passes the emissions tests but runs better. There is a whole emissions testing industry that has sprung up here... for better or worse...

Some people do use the smog exemption as a way to drive a polluter, but most of the car collectors I know try to keep their older cars in tip top running condition and they are relatively clean. Plus most collectors don't put a lot of miles on their "babies" anyway. Too much risk of accidental damage and normal wear and tear. California has a strong classic car culture and some collectors (like Jay Leno) have a fair amount of political influence. Once in a while one sees someone driving a post-75 car that is obviously in poor running condition. Probably not smogged, not registered, not insured, and driven by someone without a license as well. The gendarmes seem to cull these fairly quickly, lol.

 

[18millstreet]

Energy efficient.....

This is the first time I've read this thread after learning of it from a friend. Maybe some current appliances are much more efficient(?),however, I really love the vintage !! I do have a kenmore(Frigidaire built) front loader also,it's nice,but noisey in drain & spin! To each his/her own. I suspect much of the "push" on new is politics. No new range has the charm of my 56 & 57 HOTPOINT ranges. Love those 1960's KENMORE washers and dryers too! Anyway, most appliances are probably mostly efficient when used correctly,some more than others. Best regards to all my fellow members,Walt