How To Conserve Energy With Appliances – BIG & small

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BIG & Major Appliances

Dishwashers:

  • Using the dishwasher once daily uses less electricity and water than washing dishes three times a day.
  • Use your dishwasher after 8 p.m. when electricity demand is less.
  • Run the dishwasher only when full.
  • Use the air-dry setting or leave the door open to naturally dry dishes.
  • When buying a new dishwasher look for:
  • There’s no need to pre-rinse your dishes in the sink before placing them in the dishwasher.
  • Help the dishwasher work efficiently by regularly cleaning drains and filters.

Dryers:

  • Use your dryer after 8 p.m. when electricity demand is less.
  • Using an outdoor clothesline during summer will save substantial electricity.
  • Don’t overload the dryer and dry one load immediately after the other.
  • Be sure to keep the lint filter clean to improve efficiency.
  • Vacuum the dryer exhaust hose once a year.
  • When shopping for a new dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that will shut off automatically when clothes are dry.
  • Wring out or spin dry clothes as much as possible before drying.
  • Sort clothes into heavy, medium and lightweight loads since the lighter loads will dry more quickly than mixed loads.

Freezers:

  • Keep your freezer at -18°C. For every degree below that, your freezer will use 2% more electricity.
  • A full freezer operates more efficiently than an empty one.
    Ensure the door seal is tight and secure.
  • Keep the back and underneath dust-free with regular vacuuming.
  • Maintain a space of 5cm around your freezer so heat will be able to circulate away from the compressor and condensing coil.
  • When buying a new freezer, look for a smaller chest freezer or an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
  • Defrost and clean your freezer annually or when the ice build up on the insides of the unit is more than ¼ inch.

Ovens / Stoves:

  • Use pots that properly match the stovetop’s elements in size.
  • Preheat only for a minimum of time. It is only really necessary for baking.
  • Use the self-cleaning feature on an oven immediately after cooking so it will use less electricity.
  • Use the oven window to check foods as they cook. Opening the door releases at least 20% of -the heat.
  • Instead of using your oven to reheat food, use a toaster or microwave oven to save energy.
  • Consider a better insulated, self-cleaning oven, which can be up to 25% more efficient.
  • Avoid using bent or deformed pots and pans because they use more energy to get to the desired temperature.
  • When cooking, use lids that fit snugly and keep them on while you cook to achieve an energy savings of up 20%.
  • Save electricity by boiling water with an electric kettle. Only boil what you need.
  • Check the kitchen range filter and change when they get dirty.
  • A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make appliances work harder.

Refrigerators:

  • The ENERGY STAR symbol on a new fridge means it:
    • Is at least 15% more energy-efficient that the minimum standards set federally.
    • Uses half as much electricity as a fridge that’s 10 years old.
  • Consider a smaller fridge with fewer features:
    • A side-by-side refrigerator/freezer uses more electricity than conventional ones with the freezer at the top.
    • Larger sized fridges consume more electricity than smaller fridges.
    • Liquid dispensers and butter warmers use extra electricity.
  • With all fridges ensure:
    • Condenser coils are clean.
    • You do not overload.
    • Keep away from heat sources.
    • Replace the door gasket if necessary in order to keep the cold air in and reduce energy waste. To test for this, close the fridge door on a piece of paper – if you can pull it out easily, it may be time to replace it.
    • If you have an old, inefficient second fridge, it’s time to call a recycling company to pick up the fridge. You could save up to $150 per year in electricity.
    • Maintain a space of 5cm around your freezer so heat will be able to circulate away from the compressor and condensing coil.
  • Refrigerators are one of the biggest electricity users in the home, so it pays to consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
    • Look for a model that has an energy saver switch.
    • To keep refrigerators working well, defrost regularly.
    • Every three months, dust or vacuum your refrigerator’s coils and air intake grill.
    • Keep a space of at least five centimetres all around your refrigerator so heat will be able to move away from the compressor and condensing coil.
    • Allow hot foods to cool before putting them in the refrigerator.

small Appliances

Microwave / Toaster Oven

  • Microwaves use up to 50% less electricity than a electric stove.
  • Use instead of an oven to warm leftovers, especially during summer.

Electric Kettles

  • The most energy-efficient way to boil water is with an electric kettle.
  • Keep your kettle free of mineral deposits with regular cleanings.
  • Make sure your kettle has an auto shut-off and an insulated handle.
  • Keep other small kitchen appliances unplugged when not in use to reduce electricity referred to as “phantom power” or “standby power”.

Washers

  • Cold water washes and rinses save a tremendous amount of electricity – 85 to 90% of energy used is to heat water.
  • Use your washing machine after 8 p.m. when electricity demand is less.
  • Use only the water level you really need.
  • When buying a new model, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified front-load model to reduce water use by almost 45% and energy use by about 65%.
  • Do laundry only when you have a full load.
  • Consider a compact model if your usual laundry loads are small.