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Ways to give your appliances an energy boost
Because appliances are a major source of energy use, it's important to do all you can to keep them running as efficiently as possible. Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association, has gathered some tips to help you conserve energy, which is not only good for the environment but also good for your pocketbook.
Dishwasher: The biggest energy drain comes from heating the water – and it takes just as much water to clean a partial load of dishes as a full one. So wait until the dishwasher is full and then run it. During the winter months, when the air in the house is generally dry, you can further reduce energy use by eliminating the dry cycle. Instead, when the dishwasher stops, open it and pull out both racks. Everything will be dry in about an hour. One side effect of this procedure may be spotting on your glassware. If this occurs, using a rinse agent will allow the water to sheet off the dishes rather than dry in droplets.
Hot-water heater: Lower the thermostat so the water never gets hotter than 120 degrees. Besides saving energy, this will prevent scalding injuries.
Washing machine: Small loads may use less water, but they consume almost as much energy as large loads. So, think before you load! If possible, wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine. For optimum cleaning, follow the laundry detergent manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper amount of detergent. And if you own an HE washer, be sure you’re using a detergent that’s specially formulated for your machine.
Clothes dryer: Cleaning the lint trap before each load will help avoid a fire hazard and make your clothes dry faster, which saves energy.
Refrigerator: Keep the door seals and their contact surfaces clean. This will reduce energy consumption and extend the life of the seal. Before cleaning, turn off the temperature controls and, if possible, unplug the unit. Clean the seals and corresponding surfaces with a solution of one part chlorine bleach to one part warm water. Use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices in the seal. Wipe the solution off with a clean, damp cloth and then dry with a second clean cloth or paper towel. A yearly vacuuming underneath and behind the unit will also help it run more efficiently. Unplug the refrigerator and then use a crevice tool or a feather duster to clean the coil and all the metal parts.
Freezer: If you don't own the frost-free variety, defrost whenever there's more than a 1/4 inch of buildup. Be sure to unplug the unit before you begin. Once the frost is gone, clean the inside of the freezer with a solution of warm water and liquid dish detergent. Rinse with fresh water and wipe dry.
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