Older appliances — even those made in the 1990s and early 2000s — can use significantly more energy than today’s ENERGY STAR® models. When it’s time to purchase a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label and use their most efficient settings. Also, be sure to keep them well maintained.
Hot water heating accounts for about 90% of your washer’s energy use, so wash laundry in cold water whenever possible. Wash full loads or, if you must wash a partial load, adjust the water level. Clean your dryer’s lint trap before every load, and avoid over-drying clothes. Better yet, line-dry your laundry.
Depending on local water quality, many homeowners can effectively wash all their clothes in cold water. Fabrics generally last longer if dried on a clothesline or rack, too.
Avoid common energy wasters when it comes to dishwashing. Rather than pre-rinsing dishes, which can use up to 20 gallons of water alone, simply scrape food off dishes and into your garbage disposal. Run only when full, avoid water-heating boost when possible, and choose the no-heat drying option.
Start by unplugging that older extra refrigerator in the garage or basement. Older-model refrigerators cost you an average of $150 per year to run. Make sure your kitchen refrigerator is in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat-generating appliances that can make it work harder. Keep it no colder than about 35 to 38°F, with plenty of air circulation behind it. Don’t stand with the door open; grab what you need quickly and shut the door. Make sure the door seals fit tightly against the doorframe.
While a microwave uses less energy than a range or oven, balance its use with other small appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens. When using your oven, preheat only when required, make sure seals are tight, and don’t open the door while cooking.
Just by using the right size pot on a burner, you can save about $36 a year if you have an electric range. And using a microwave to cook small portions can reduce the energy you use for cooking by as much as 75%!
Programmable thermostats can save you money by raising the air conditioning temperature while you sleep and while you're away. Whether you want a different setting for weekdays and weekends, or want to schedule settings for each day of the week, there’s a model to fit every lifestyle.
Air sealing, specifically weatherstripping, eliminates drafts to save energy while improving air quality and comfort. Weatherstripping reduces air leakage by creating a tight seal between movable components such as doors and windows. Most types of weatherstripping are easy to install. Before application, you’ll need to detect air leaks and assess your ventilation needs. Detect air leaks through a blower door test from a qualified technician or find leaks yourself from visual inspections inside and outside the home.
The average homeowner can pay over $1,000 a year in cooling and heating costs, which is nearly half of a home’s total energy bill. No matter the age of your home, it's a good idea to inspect what insulation you have and evaluate whether you need to make some additions or adjustments to save on heating costs. You can learn about adding insulation to an existing home here.
Save on heating costs by using an ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan to better circulate air. A ceiling fan can push the hot air that has risen back down towards you, on the floor.
During the winter, set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise. This upward airflow pulls warm air down from the ceiling and redistributes it throughout the room, so the room feels warmer without cranking up the heat. Bonus – fans also keep your home cooler in summer!
In the summer, switch your fan to counterclockwise. This faster, downward airflow creates a refreshing breeze, helps maintain an even room temperature, and reduces how often your air conditioner needs to run.
Keep your home warmer from the inside out by closing insulating curtains while you're not home during the day. Saving on heating costs only takes a little planning. If you don't have curious pets or little ones around, leave the oven open after cooking a meal to let the excess heat escape into your home.
