Household appliances like ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and coffee makers make our lives much easier. However, they can also consume a lot of energy.
Fortunately, you can improve the energy efficiency of your appliances with simple lifestyle changes and regular maintenance. This will help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on utility bills.
Read the Manuals
Appliances can account for about 20 percent of household energy use. Keeping track of these appliances can help you reduce your energy usage.
It can be difficult to locate and read user manuals for various appliance products. In addition, the manuals don’t always provide sufficient information to facilitate product repair.
Once you’ve rescued all the manuals, store them in a file cabinet or box with dividers. Use headings for location (kitchen, basement etc) and then subcategorize them by item. Label the dividers so you can quickly find the manuals you need. You may also want to make a note of the serial number, date of purchase and warranty period. This will save you a lot of time when you’re looking for specific details. Also, it can keep you from accidentally using a setting that is incompatible with your home’s network.
Know the Settings
Many appliances have different settings to make sure they are used correctly. Using all of the options can reduce wear and tear over time. For example, you should always use the shortest possible dishwasher and washer cycle for your load, as this will minimize the amount of agitation that your clothes are subjected to.
Overloading your appliance can also reduce its lifespan. Make sure you never exceed the maximum load rating as described in the user manuals.
Getting the most out of household appliances can save you money in utility bills and reduce the amount of time spent on chores. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your appliances are working at full capacity for years to come. In addition, these energy efficient steps can help reduce pollution and slow climate change.
Check for Defects
Many appliances will experience some sort of failure over time, and this can be due to a variety of issues. It is important to keep an eye out for any signs that something may be wrong. If ignored, this can lead to a more serious problem and cause the appliance to break down completely.
The best way to ensure that your appliances last longer is to minimize their use. This can be done by preheating the oven before you need it and only running the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer when full. It is also a good idea to regularly check for any leaks in hoses and pipes.
It is also a smart choice to opt for Energy Star rated appliances whenever possible. This will help reduce your utility bills and save you money on replacement costs.
Unplug When Not Needed
Many household appliances and devices keep consuming electricity, even when they are not turned on. This constant usage can lead to a spike in your electricity bill. Unplugging gadgets like coffee makers, printers and TVs saves energy, reduces the risk of electrical fires and extends the lifespan of your appliances.
This is called phantom power, idle current or shadow load. It adds up to around 9% and 16% of your home’s total electricity consumption, depending on the appliance. You can easily cut back on this waste by making a habit of unplugging gadgets when you’re not using them. This will also protect you from small surges, which can damage your appliances over time and shorten their useful life.
Keep It Clean
Home appliances work day in and day out to help make your life easier, so it’s important to take care of them. Preventative cleaning and maintenance can keep your appliances working smoothly and extend their lifespans. Buy a home warranty and be able to protect your investment and save you from spending more money in the long run.
It’s also important to avoid overloading your appliances. Most appliances have a maximum load rating that they can handle, and overloading them will result in damage and shorten their lifespan.
Appliance cleaning and maintenance should be a regular part of your routine, but before you start cleaning, always remember to unplug appliances and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Also, make sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. They can scratch your appliances’ surfaces and emit noxious fumes. Also, never immerse small electric appliances in water! Instead, clean them with a cloth and diluted cleaning solution.
