Energy Conservation

Appliances

Appliance usage makes up approximately 15% or your energy costs. If you are thinking about purchasing a new appliance, check the EnerGuide Label to see the amount of electricity that particular item uses in a year. The lower the kWh shown on the label, the more efficient the appliance is. When considering larger appliances, such as air conditioners, take a look at high efficiency Energy Star-qualified products. Click here to see a chart on the cost of running household appliances.

Here are some simple tips:

• Showers use less hot water – install an efficient showerhead.
• The old inefficient refrigerator in the basement could cost you up to $150 or more per year in electricity.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator before cooking (unless otherwise directed on the label).
• Use an electric kettle to boil water instead of the stove.
• Whenever possible, use the microwave or outdoor BBQ instead of the oven.
• Do a full load and use the energy-saving cycle on your dishwasher.
• Wash full loads of clothing in cold or warm water. Most of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water!
• Separate loads when drying – lighter loads take less time.
• Try to avoid putting only one item in the dryer at a time. Consider hanging your laundry on a rack or outside.
• The electric iron uses a lot of energy. Take clothes out of the dryer promptly and fold or hang them to prevent wrinkling and avoid ironing as much as possible.

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