Major appliances use about 13 percent of the electricity load in a home. Finding practical and actionable ways to reduce that pull does more than lower your utility bills each month, however. Electricity is a key player in the escalating environmental problems. You can save money and do your part for the environment by giving your home an energy evaluation. Appliances are a good place to start.
Refrigerators
- Locate your refrigerator in a cool location (away from direct sunlight and other heat generating appliances) to make it easier for it to maintain temperature.
- Monitor refrigerator temperature and keep air cold inside by keeping the doors closed as much as possible and ensuring door seals are working properly.
- Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Be sure to leave room for air to circulate when you load your refrigerator.
Dishwashers
- Scraping instead of rinsing dishes saves over 55,000 gallons of water over the life of your appliance.
- Run your dishwasher only when it is full to get the most bang for your energy buck.
- Use the air-dry option or open the door to allow dishes to dry following the rinse cycle. On hot days, run your dishwasher at night to prevent daytime heat buildup in your kitchen.
Dryers
- Dry full loads whenever possible.
- Dry towels and heavier items separate from lighter weight items.
- Don’t over-dry clothes. Use the moisture sensor if your machine has one.
