According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical home in the United States can attribute about 20% of their energy bills to household appliances and electronics. Buying Energy Star compliant appliances is one of the first things the consumer could do to help lower their bills and protect our environment at the same time. An appliance with the Energy Star label means it has the government seal of energy efficiency. You can use the information on the label to compare different brands and models when shopping for a new appliance. Kilowatt-hours per year(kWh/year) shows the estimated energy consumption (electricity use) on a scale showing a range for similar models. Utility companies use this to compute your bill. Estimated yearly operating cost tells you approximately how much money it costs to operate the appliance each year, based on the national average cost of electricity. Operating cost varies depending on your local utility rates and your use of the product. To find Energy Star Products click here.
Besides buying Energy Star labeled appliances, there are a number of things you can do to help contain the cost of operating your various major household appliances.
Washer/Dryer
Wash and dry full loads. For smaller loads, use an appropriate water-level setting. Wash whites in hot water and colors in cold water. This will save you money and still give a clean wash. If the dryer has a moisture sensor, use it. This option will automatically shut off the dryer when clothes are dry. Over-drying causes wear and tear on your clothes and wastes unnecessary energy. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after each load to improve air circulation. This easy maintenance tip will keep your dryer from working harder and using more energy than necessary. It takes longer to dry a load when the lint filter is dirty. Lint built-up is also a fire hazard! Check your dryer vent periodically to make sure it is not blocked. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material instead of plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockage. Use a cool-down cycle to allow clothes to continue drying using the residual heat in the dryer. Dry towels and heavier cottons separately from lighter-weight articles.
Dishwashers
Run your dishwasher with a full load but be careful not to overload. Avoid using the “rinse-hold” feature for just a few dirty dishes since it will use up 3-7 gallons of hot water. Make use of “low-water” features or “quick wash” options to save water. Use the air-drying feature instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle. More energy is required to use the heating element, which in turn, costs you more money. If your machine does not have an auto air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse cycle and open the door slightly. In summer, use your dishwasher during the cooler parts of the day when energy costs are usually less. Make use of “delay start” option if your electricity is calculated based on time-of-use rates. Wash when energy is cheaper.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Cut down the frequency of door openings. Keep coils and condenser area free of dust. The refrigerator compartment temperature should be set between 36 – 38 degrees F, the freezer to between 0 – 5 degrees F. If you have a manual defrost freezer, defrost when frost build-up is more than 1/4″ thick. If possible, keep refrigerator and freezer away from direct sunlight and other warm air sources such as ranges and heating equipment.
Air Conditioner
Choose an air conditioner suited to your room size. A larger unit than needed wastes energy. See my blog about “How to Measure for a Room Air Conditioner“. Change air conditioner filters when recommended for more efficient operation. This will not only reduce your energy cost, but will extend the life of the air conditioner.
Other general considerations-Hot weather Tips
Make use of your barbecue grill outside to keep your kitchen cool. A ceiling fan in the kitchen will help to improve air circulation. Use your microwave and/or your convection oven, instead of your range oven, to lessen heat in the kitchen. For those of you who have a water and ice dispenser in your refrigerator, use them frequently to keep your body hydrated and to help you feel more comfortable during the hot weather.
