Home appliances and electronics consume a considerable portion of your energy bill. By making a few energy-focused changes, you can reduce energy usage and save money.
- Upgrade with ENERGY STAR® Appliances: ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use at least 20% less energy; dishwashers use at least 41% less energy and up to one-third less water; and clothes washers are at least 40% more energy and water efficient than conventional models.
- Tune Up the Refrigerator: Ensure the air vents and condenser coils are clean and the door seals are airtight. If necessary, periodically defrost the refrigerator to improve performance.
- Set the Refrigerator for Optimum Performance: Save energy by setting the freezer between 0º F and 5º F and the refrigerator between 34º F and 38º F.
- Avoid the “Special” Dishwasher Options: Avoid the often unnecessary features like sanitary, cycle heat-dry and rinse-hold. Save energy with the energy-saver mode and air-dry feature.
- Wash Only Full Loads: Save energy by avoiding small loads of dishes and clothes, since a small load will use the same amount of energy as a large load.
- Wash Clothes in Cold Water: About 90% of a washing machine’s energy usage is from heating water. Use cold water for regular loads and only use hot water for oily stains.
- Remove the Moisture from Clothes: Use a high spin speed or extended spin option to remove extra moisture from clothing – the less moisture, the more effective your dryer.
- Dry Clothes with the Moisture Sensor: A moisture sensor automatically turns the dryer off when the clothes are dry, saving energy and minimizing wear and tear. Be sure to clean the lint trap before every load.
- Power-Off Unused Equipment: Home electronics, like big screen televisions and DVD players, use electricity even when powered off. Plug electronics into a power strip and turn them off when not being used.
