Appliances are some of the biggest energy-consumers in our homes. Here are some ways to limit the amount of energy these appliances contribute to your monthly bills.
Utilize Their Full Potential
Many appliances have ample space. Think dishwashers, washer/dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and how much you can fit in each. They all generally use the same amount of energy whether the appliance is full or not.
To get the most efficiency in your energy usage, run the dishwasher when it’s full. The same goes for the washer and dryer—only wash full loads (according to what your unit can handle). When using the oven, don’t preheat until you’re ready to cook—leaving it on while empty is a waste of energy. Similarly, try cooking or baking several things back to back, and utilize the space you have to cut down on the time the oven needs to be running.
Be careful not to overload dishwashers and washer/dryers. Too many things inside can hinder the performance and leave dishes or clothing from being cleaned.
Opt for Efficiency
On applicable appliances, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends looking for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR products are rated as being among the most energy-efficient on the market, and the Department of Energy backs the brand.
ENERGY STAR refrigerators use up to 15% less energy than non-labeled units, according to the DOE. In addition to energy savings, ENERGY STAR dishwashers can save water.
Watch for Size & Temperature
If you’re reheating a piece of chicken for lunch, or want to melt some butter, don’t waste energy using the stove or oven. There are smaller appliances that are much more energy-efficient for small meals. Toaster ovens, microwaves, and the newly popular air fryers are all great options for single-person cooking.
When you do use the oven or stove, make sure the cooking vessel matches the occasion. You don’t need the whole oven to reheat a bowl of soup. Likewise, you don’t need the largest stove burner to heat a tiny pot. Match the pan or pot size to the comparable burner.
Your freezer and refrigerator shouldn’t be colder than necessary. Freezers can be at 0 degrees and refrigerators between 35 and 38 degrees. This allows the appliances to maintain their purpose of preserving food while also not wasting energy.
Also, make sure the seal around the door of your refrigerator is tight to the wall. Just like we insulate our homes to prevent drastic temperature changes, the fridge has that same safeguard. You should be able to close a piece of paper in the refrigerator door and not be able to move it. That’s how you know the seal is working properly.
How to Use Smart Technology
Smart technology is becoming more ubiquitous in our lives, and it has its applications for appliances as well. While smart appliances aren’t always necessary or contribute to greater energy-efficiency, some can help reach this goal.
For small appliances, a smart plug is a great way to monitor electricity use, especially in the kitchen. For these, it’s critical to find a smart plug that cuts off energy when the device is not in use. (These are also useful for TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that use energy when turned off.)
Get Prompt Repairs
Appliances that are malfunctioning waste a lot of energy. If one of your appliances is not working, it’s probably not following the tips we’ve mentioned, and it could be costing you a lot of money. The longer the problem persists, the more these costs accumulate.
When you notice a drop in performance or an appliance stops working, put in a call with your local appliance repair technician. They can diagnose the problem and get your appliances back to working order as soon as possible.
Appliance Repair from Atlantic Coast
Our appliances fill important roles in our lives, so it can be frustrating when they don’t work correctly. The trained technicians at Atlantic Coast Appliance are the trusted choice for appliance repair in Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach.