Appliances account for about 20% of your household’s energy consumption.
If you are shopping for new appliances – purchase Energy Star labeled appliances. These represent the most energy efficient on the market as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
Always examine the Energy Guide label found on new appliances. This will allow you to compare estimated energy consumption and estimated operating cost.
Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37 to 40 degrees and 5 degrees for the freezer section.
Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.
Keep the condenser coils clean. Your refrigerator will run for shorter periods with clean coils.
Use gas ovens that have automatic electric ignition systems. An electric ignition saves gas because a pilot light is not burning continuously.
Be sure that your dishwasher is full but not overloaded when in use.
Energy Star dishwashers use less energy and less water.
