How to Save Electricity and Get the Most Out of Your Appliances

You Are Here:   Home > Automatic Appliance Parts Blog > How to Save Electricity and Get the Most Out of Your Appliances

*** Please be aware that Norridge is the only shipping facility. Inventory on-hand at all other branches is unavailable for immediate shipment. ***
 

Conserving energy can lower your Norridge, Illinois, home's utility bills and help the environment by reducing emissions. Making sure your appliances operate efficiently can also keep them working well longer. That way, you can avoid paying for replacements and get as much value as possible from your devices. Continue reading to learn more about how to save energy with a variety of appliances.

Your Washer and Dryer

You can save energy when doing your laundry by following several simple tips. Wait to start your washing machine until you have a full load, and use cold water. When you wash a load of clothes, most of the electricity used heats the water. Instead of using your dryer, you can let some, or all, of your clothing air dry. Place a clothesline in your backyard, or use a collapsible drying rack indoors. When you use your dryer, do two or more loads at once to take advantage of the heat from previous loads.

If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it to shut off your appliance automatically when your clothes are dry. After every cycle, clean the lint trap to maximize air circulation and efficiency. It's also a good idea to check the tubing behind the filter for particles that may have escaped. Use the long nozzle on your vacuum cleaner to clean out dust and lint.

Watch for problematic signs so that you can save energy by having them repaired early. A grinding or rumbling washing machine could be unbalanced or overloaded. You can avoid strain on the motor by making the load lighter. Have your washing machine checked by a professional if it won't start or it's slow to fill or drain.

Your Refrigerator and Freezer

To save electricity, turn up the temperature on your refrigerator and your freezer by a few degrees. If you have an additional refrigerator or freezer, don't put it in an area that's not climate-controlled, like a garage. Keeping it in an air-conditioned place will help you save energy in summer. Also, cover liquids before putting them in your refrigerator. This reduces the humidity inside and makes cooling more efficient.

If you have an older refrigerator, consider getting a newer, more efficient model, and be aware of common signs that you could need a repair or replacement. These signs can include more noise than normal, lots of heat around your fridge or freezer, condensation on the outside of your refrigerator, excess frost in your freezer, or food that spoils before the expiration date often.

Your Oven and Stove

An electric oven can use a lot of power as well. If you're cooking with a small pot, use one of the smaller burners on your stove. Also, keep lids on your cookware to retain heat. When you reheat food, use a microwave or a toaster oven when possible. In summer, grill outside often to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the excess heat created by using the oven or stove.

Your Dishwasher

Like your washing machine, you should wait to run your dishwasher until it's full. Rinse your dishes if you don't plan to wash them right away. Otherwise, you can put them directly into your dishwasher and conserve the energy you would otherwise use for rinsing. You can also save power by letting your dishes air dry or using a towel instead of choosing the heat dry option.

Your Water Heater

If you have a water heater that's more than a decade old, replacing it could eventually pay for itself through energy savings. Look for the serial number on the manufacturer's sticker to find out how old your water heater is. The first letter is for the month, and the next two numbers represent the year. For example, any unit with a serial number beginning in C18 was made in March 2018.

If your water heater needs repair or replacement, you could notice higher utility bills, a burning smell from old electric heating coils, or a rumbling, cracking, or popping sound from sediment in the tank. A leaky tank or water that's discolored or has a metallic taste could indicate a problem as well.

You can save money and reduce the risk of burns by turning down the temperature on your water heater. Adding an insulating blanket can help your water heater work more efficiently, and you can install a timer that shuts off your water heater automatically while you're at work or asleep. If you go out of town for more than two or three days, turn off your water heater before you leave to save energy.

Your Heater and Air Conditioner

Your HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home, and you can save power by making easy improvements. Change your HVAC system's air filter at least every six months, and seal any leaks in windows or doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Close your blinds and shades to keep out the sun in summer, and open them to help heat your home in winter.

Install a programmable thermostat, and set it to turn down your HVAC system when you go to work or to sleep. Then, set it to bring your home back to a more comfortable temperature about half an hour before you come home or wake up. You can control many smart or programmable thermostats from your smartphone, and some models can use motion sensors to learn your habits over time.

If you have a large home, consider a zoning system with more than one indoor unit or dampers in your ductwork to direct conditioned air where you need it most. That way, you won't need to heat or cool areas when no one is using them. You can also choose the temperature you prefer without making people in other rooms feel too hot or cold.

For the parts you need for an energy-saving upgrade or repair, contact us at Automatic Appliance Parts Corporation. Our skilled staff can help you find the part you need.