Did you know that on average, about half of your electric bill pays for the use of major appliances, electronics and home office equipment? About 20% is attributed to lighting, and the rest invested in heating and cooling, and kitchen use. It is easy to see why purchasing “green” appliances goes a long way toward lowering the cost of energy in your home.
The EPA developed its ENERGY STAR program in the 1990s to aggressively address energy efficiency for household appliances. The program, which initially focused on home electronics and televisions, now envelops most major appliances, including many kitchen and laundry appliances. ENERGY STAR continually upholds and improves their strict regulations for energy-efficient measures—many ENERGY STAR-rated appliances go above and beyond any governmental requirements.
Let’s examine major appliance categories one-by-one, for tips on maximizing energy efficiency:
Refrigerators: Refrigerators, which run 24 hours a day, use a tremendous amount of energy. If you can’t invest in an ENERGY STAR-labeled refrigerator right now, set your fridge thermostat to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also dust off or vacuum your machine’s condenser coils twice a year for increased efficiency.
Freezers: Freezers are also major energy guzzlers. ENERGY STAR products will help to increase energy efficiency and cut costs. Top and bottom unit freezers are more efficient than fridge-freezer units next to each other. If you keep an extra freezer, place it in a cool area—not in the garage, where heat tends to collect, requiring more energy for cooling. A separate chest freezer is best.
Clothes Washers: Beyond purchasing an ENERGY STAR model, there are other features that can maximize the energy efficiency of your clothes washer. Front-loaders are a great idea; they conserve water and energy by 40-50%. Washing full loads, and using cold water whenever possible, saves even more energy. Exercising your discretion with features such as temperature, load size and cycle settings can boost the conservation impact of your machine.
Dryers: Dryers are not currently part of the ENERGY STAR program, as energy consumption is similar for all models. If you live somewhere amenable to an old-fashioned outdoor clothesline, though, sun drying is an obvious energy saver. Below are some tips to save energy when using a clothes dryer:
- Find a model with automatic shut-off, or that alerts you when loads are finished.
- To maximize the heat left over from previous loads, designate one or two days per week as “laundry days,” and do loads one after another.
- Place dryers in a warm part of the house, so that less energy is needed to generate heat.
Dishwashers: Believe it or not, dishwashers are more effective at cleaning and much more water efficient than washing by hand. The more energy-efficient units available today feature settings that offer a control over energy expenditure. Most of the energy used by dishwashers goes to heating water before it even gets to your machine. Therefore:
- Always wash a full load and select the shortest cycle appropriate.
- Don’t utilize the pre-rinse function on your machine unless it’s necessary.
Ovens: Gas stoves are definitely more efficient than electrics, but they can be hazardous to people with respiratory sensitivities. If you are using an electric range, there are ways you can optimize your energy use:
- When heating water and cooking dishes that allow for it, cover pots and pans to trap heat and reduce cooking time.
- Turn off burners shortly before cook time is over—the burners will remain hot enough to finish the cooking job. Use pans that completely cover a burner to maximize energy usage.
The staff at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens and BSC Culinary will be happy to discuss the many energy-efficient appliance options available through our showrooms. Stop by today for more information!
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story