How can I save energy and money on washing and drying clothes?
Q. I have a separate chest freezer - is this costing
me a lot to run, and how can I cut the cost?
A. Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest energy consumers
in the average home. A separate freezer makes economic sense when you can buy
large quantities of food and freeze it. If the freezer is empty or nearly empty,
try to use the freezer compartment in your refrigerator and turn off the additional freezer.
Q. Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do
to save energy with my refrigerator?
A. Yes. Make sure the door gasket fits snugly to keep the cold air
inside, clean the coils (located either on the bottom or the back) regularly,
and avoid overfilling the refrigerator - there needs to be enough room for the
cold air to circulate.
Q. Is it a good idea to vent my clothes dryer inside
to capture the extra heat in the winter?
A. Definitely not. The heated air blown out the vent also contains
all of the moisture that has been removed from the clothes. This moisture can
cause problems ranging from excessive condensation on windows to long-term
structural damage.
Q. What is the purpose of the black and yellow
"EnergyGuide" labels on appliances, and what do they tell me?
A. These labels allow you to compare energy costs of comparable
appliances. Most will have a horizontal scale showing the least efficient
model, the most efficient one, and where that particular appliance falls on
the scale. They also have a table that allows you to estimate your annual
energy cost based on local electric or gas rates. As with mileage ratings
on automobiles, your actual cost may vary depending on usage.
Q. Can I save energy by using a microwave or toaster
oven for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
A. Yes. Microwaves are excellent for defrosting and reheating cooked
food, and use much less electricity than an electric range or oven. Toaster
ovens also use less and are good for heating or cooking small quantities of food.
Q. Are there any simple ways I can save energy and
money with my dishwasher?
A. Run full loads whenever possible (this also saves water), and use
the "air dry" setting or open the door after the cycle is completed, instead
of using the "heated dry" cycle.
Q. I recently set my water heater temperature back
to 120o and have noticed spotting and soap residue on my dishes.
Do I need to turn the water heater back up to 140o?
A. Possibly, but before you do, try one of the newer liquid dishwasher
soaps. These products generally work well at lower water temperatures. If you
do need to turn the water heater temperature back up, try 130 o - it
may take care of the problem while still allowing you to save energy and money.
Q. How can I save energy and money on washing
and drying clothes?
A. Always use the lowest appropriate temperature settings (for
both washers and dryers). If your washer has a water level setting,
adjust the level to the load being washed. Avoid overdrying clothes,
and always try to run full loads, in both the washer and dryer. Weather
permitting, try using a "solar clothes dryer" (clothesline).
