Dishwashers

• Use your dishwasher at night when demand for electricity is low.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.
• Use the air-dry setting or leave the door open to naturally dry dishes.
• When buying a new dishwasher look for:
  • ENERGY STAR label
  • Short-cycle or econowash features

Dryers

• Use your dryer at night when demand for electricity is low.
• Use an outdoor clothesline during summer to save electricity.
• Be sure to keep the lint filter clean to improve efficiency and for safety.
• Vacuum the dryer exhaust hose once a year.

• Cold water washes and rinses save a tremendous amount of electricity – 85 to 90% of energy used is to heat water. Look for cold water detergent
• Use your washing machine in the evening when demand for electricity is low.
• When buying a new model, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified front-load model to reduce water use by almost 45% and energy use by about 65%.
• Do laundry only when you have a full load.

Ovens/Stoves

• Use pots that properly match the stovetop’s elements in size.
• Preheat only for a minimum amount of time. It is only really necessary for baking.
• Use the self-cleaning feature on an oven immediately after cooking so it will use less electricity.
• Use the oven window to check food as it cooks. Opening the door releases heat.
• Instead of using your oven to reheat food, use a toaster or microwave oven to save energy.

Refrigerators

• Refrigerators are one of the biggest electricity users in the home, so it pays to consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
• The ENERGY STAR symbol on a new fridge means:
  • It is at least 15% more energy-efficient than the minimum standards set federally.
  • Uses half as much electricity as a fridge that’s 10 years old.
• Consider a smaller fridge with fewer features:
  • A side-by-side refrigerator/freezer uses more electricity than conventional ones with the freezer at the top.
  • Larger sized fridges consume more electricity than smaller fridges.
  • Accessories like butter warmers and ice-makers consumer more electricity.

More

• If you have an old, inefficient fridge or freezer, visit FRIDGE & FREEZER PICKUP. You could save up to $125 per year on your electricity costs.
• Condenser coils are clean.
• You replace the door gasket if necessary in order to keep the cold air in and reduce energy waste. To test for this, close the fridge door on a piece of paper – if you can pull it out easily, it may be time to replace it.
• You maintain a space of 5cm around your freezer so heat will be able to circulate away from the compressor and condensing coil.

Freezers

•  Keep your freezer at -18°C. Setting your freezer colder than that will use more electricity.
•  A full freezer operates more efficiently than an empty one.
•  Ensure the door seal is tight and secure.
•  Keep the back and underneath dust-free with regular vacuuming.
•  Maintain a space of 5cm around your freezer so heat will be able to circulate away from the compressor  and condensing coil.
•  When buying a new freezer, look for a smaller chest freezer or an ENERGY STAR qualified model.

Small Appliances

Microwave / Toaster Oven 

• Microwaves use up to 50% less electricity than an electric stove.
• Use instead an oven to warm leftovers, especially during summer.

Electric Kettles

• The most energy-efficient way to boil water is with an electric kettle.
• Keep your kettle free of mineral deposits with regular cleanings.

More

• Make sure your kettle has an auto shut-off.
• Keep other small kitchen appliances unplugged when not in use to reduce electricity referred to as “phantom power” or “standby power”.