Lower your utility bills and help protect the environment by making a few simple changes at home. Changing the way you do laundry and wash dishes can help reduce the amount of energy you use, which means less greenhouse gas emissions. These ENERGY STAR tips and tricks will help you make a difference.
1. Redo Your Kitchen with ENERGY STAR Compliant Appliances
Doing this can save almost $70 a year—you'll be able to afford to eat out a little more often.
2. Choose an ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerator
It’s about 20% more energy efficiency than the minimum federal standard. It even uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb run continuously.
3. Clear the Air
A typical room air cleaner, operating continuously, uses about 60% more electricity than a new refrigerator! You know what label to look for.
4. Make the Most of Your Dishwasher
Scrape, not rinse, dishes before putting them into the dishwasher and use the air-dry option when available. ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers are on average 10% more energy efficient than non-qualified models.
5. Turn the Faucet Off and Put Down that Dish Detergent
Washing dishes by hand uses more water than using a dishwasher.
6. Save with ENERGY STAR Qualified Washers and Dryers
They reduce energy usage by about 30% and water consumption by over 50% compared to regular washers. You can save about $50 annually on your utility bills.
7. Wash Clothes with Cold Water
Much of the energy used in washing is to actually heat the water. You’ll save money and your clothes.
8. Load Up on Savings
Save energy by running your dish and clothes washers only with full loads.
9. Keep Moisture Out of the Air and Money in Your Wallet
ENERGY STAR compliant dehumifiers will actually save you more than $20 a year and over $230 over its lifespan.
Now that you know how easy it is to save energy with your appliances, learn more about conserving energy in every room of your home. Check out ENERGY STAR @ home and explore the animated rooms to find out what you can do to help protect the environment. Take the room-by-room tour.
