6 Ways to Reduce Appliance Energy Waste

Appliances make life easier, but they can strain your energy budget. Use these simple ways to save.

Your appliances help make life easier, but they can also put a strain on your energy budget. By taking these simple steps, your appliances will run more efficiently, providing the kind of savings you can get comfortable with.

1. Take on a full load

Wash clothes and dishes with a full load only; partial loads waste energy and water. Load your dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fill the racks completely to maximize water and energy use but allow for adequate water circulation to ensure clean dishes.

2. Do touch that dial!

Set refrigerator and freezer thermostats at the recommended temperature settings—37°F to 40°F for the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer. It will help optimize energy savings, while keeping foods fresh.

3. Get cooking efficiently

Use your microwave or toaster oven, rather than the stove top or oven. These smaller appliances often heat food more quickly, while using less energy. If you do use the stove top, match the pan size to the burner size and cover pots and pans.

4. Don't get caught in the lint trap

Clean the lint trap filter after each dryer load; this will increase air circulation and improve dryer efficiency. Inspect your dryer vent periodically to ensure that it's not blocked.

5. Hang your threads out to dry

When you are doing laundry, why not air dry your clothes? It will reduce energy costs and it may help to keep clothes looking new.

6. Take an ENERGY STAR^® turn

Shopping for a new appliance? Purchase an ENERGY STAR^® qualified model. ENERGY STAR^® appliances use less energy than standard units while providing the same level of performance.