How to save energy with household appliances

  • Try using a power strip to plug in all your large electronics. This not only protects them from a power surge, it makes it easier to completely turn off the power to them.
  • Look for the Energy Star label when replacing appliances
  • Check the energy efficiency of your old appliances and compare it to newer models. Upgrading to a more efficient appliance makes you eligible for tax breaks. See the Reduce your Use homepage for more details.
  • Make sure that the size of the pot fits the size of the burner when cooking on the stove.
  • Use the microwave instead of oven or stove, it is far more efficient
  • Allow food to thaw before microwaving, this saves 1/3 of your energy.
  • Clean the lint filter after every load
  • Be sure to stop the dryer as soon as the clothes are dry.
  • Dry full loads of clothes, one load right after the other. This saves energy because the dryer is already hot.
  • Wash full loads of clothing instead of smaller ones. Use the coolest water possible for washing and rinsing the clothes.
  • Keep the oven door closed until the food is done cooking.
  • Cook several food dishes in the oven at the same time.
  • Before putting hot foods in the refrigerator, let them cool off to save energy.
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer full to limit the amount of cold air released each time you open the door.
  • Clean the coils on your refrigerator often. This helps it run more efficiently
  • Decide what you want from your refrigerator or freezer before opening the door
  • Fill your dishwasher efficiently and limit the number of times you have to run it. Also, let dishes air dry as opposed to using your dishwasher's heat-dry option.
  • Unplug large appliances before going away on vacation, they continue to use energy while in stand-by or turned 'off'.
  • Turn off appliances when not in use - especially TVs, Computers, and Video Game consoles

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

If you have any questions on how these suggestions could work for you, comment on this post!  We'll respond with more information on where to purchase the home improvements, estimates at the cots, and estimates of the savings.  Just say what you're planning to do or what situation you're in, and we'll help you out.
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