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LA STAMPA

Why Vacuum Cleaners May Get Less Powerful And More Expensive

European Union regulations will now require lower maximum voltage on vacuums. It may making cleaning slower, purchase prices higher, but hopefully long-term energy saving benefits.

Well, this sucks.
Well, this sucks.
Sandra Riccio

TURIN — First it was the light bulbs: They were too energy-intensive. Then it was fans and dryers. Now the European Union"s ongoing stand against powerful domestic enemies is taking aim at super-charged vacuum cleaners.

Taking effect Sept. 1, the EU is pulling the plug on vacuum cleaners that eat up too much electricity, banning the sale of models that exceed 1,600 watts.

In 2017, Brussels will lower the maximum again, down to 900 watts — which has been the manufacturers' competitive standard until now. Even the noise levels will be adjusted and must not be higher than 80 decibels. This really is a revolution because there are still many models on the market that exceed 2,000 watts.

The EU's aim is to reduce energy waste; but what does it change for individual families? Will these lower wattage vacuums still do our chores, or will we suddenly find ourselves taking twice as long to clean the carpets and floors?

The EU insists that the new legislation won't affect the appliance's efficiency, but will on the contrary improve it. The new regulations already have precise indications on the suction levels of the devices.

What is certain is that the electricity consumption of one of the most frequently used appliances in European homes will drop significantly. Statistics show that, on average, we use our vacuums for an hour per month.

From now on, each new unit must display a label that clearly shows its consumption — just like on refrigerators and washing machines. Furthermore, the motor must be guaranteed for at least 500 hours of performance. Up until now there had been no clear rules on the average life of a machine, post-purchase.

Wallets and waffles

With our "super green" vacuums, we'll save on our electricity bills between one-third and one-half of what traditional devices consume. Instead, we'll have to fork out more money at the time of purchase. The first high-efficiency models on the market are priced around 200 euros — compared to an average model today that goes for between 60 and 80 euros.

[rebelmouse-image 27088203 alt="""" original_size="530x800" expand=1]

Photo: Matty Ring

Currently, there are not many on the market, and so new technologies will have to be exploited to give the same yield.

It's a little bit like what happened to the fans: Those deemed by the EU as best-performing halved consumption, but the prices were much higher than before. At the end of the day, will we have to spend more? It's hard to say.

While the news is a major headache for manufacturers, it has actually taken 12 years for industries to accept the regulatory framework. Those who oppose the rule include British tech giant Dyson, who have appealed to the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg. With its famously bagless appliances, it will still be penalized. On the other hand, the robot vacuum cleaners that are becoming increasingly popular in Italian homes are completely excluded from the directive.

All told, there are already some 30 other appliance products under Brussels' magnifying glass. Next on the plate, the EU will arrive at our breakfast table, with new regulations on American-style coffee machines. Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, the plate warmers will have to automatically turn off after five minutes. This will also apply to espresso machines and waffle makers. The smartest of the smart appliances will make sure to turn themselves off after we've finished breakfast.

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eyes on the U.S.

Murdoch Resignation Adds To Biden's Good Luck With The Media — A Repeat Of FDR?

Robert Murdoch's resignation from Fox News Corp. so soon before the next U.S. presidential elections begs the question of how directly media coverage has impacted Joe Biden as a figure, and what this new shift in power will mean for the current President.

Close up photograph of a opy of The Independent features Rupert Murdoch striking a pensive countenance as his 'News of the World' tabloid newspaper announced its last edition will run

July 7, 2011 - London, England: A copy of The Independent features Rupert Murdoch striking a pensive countenance as his 'News of the World' tabloid newspaper announced its last edition will run July 11, 2011 amid a torrid scandal involving phone hacking.

Mark Makela/ZUMA
Michael J. Socolow

Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States of America on Jan. 20, 2021.

Imagine if someone could go back in time and inform him and his communications team that a few pivotal changes in the media would occur during his first three years in office.

There’s the latest news that Rubert Murdoch, 92, stepped down as the chairperson of Fox Corp. and News Corp. on Sept. 21, 2023. Since the 1980s, Murdoch, who will be replaced by his son Lachlan, has been the most powerful right-wing media executivein the U.S.

While it’s not clear whether Fox will be any tamer under Lachlan, Murdoch’s departure is likely good news for Biden, who reportedly despises the media baron.

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