If you take a look around your home, you’ll see a variety of different appliances that are sucking up energy and leading to higher utility bills. By having energy-efficient appliances, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your carbon footprint while putting more money in your pocket. In this article, we’ll share with you how to do just that.
Here are a few simple changes you can make around your house for a more eco-friendly home.
How to Have an Energy-Efficient Home
Refrigerator
As one of the biggest appliances in the home, the refrigerator uses a decent amount of energy, keeping food and beverages safe. If you don’t perform routine maintenance to ensure it continues working properly and efficiently Make your fridge run as efficiently as possible by cleaning the condenser coils. These coils need to be cleaned regularly to remove hair, dust, food, and other debris that can become lodged in it. Use a vacuum to remove the waste that is clogging the airflow underneath and behind the fridge. This is best done twice a year. If you have shedding pets, consider cleaning the coils more regularly.
Washer
With the average household doing 300 loads of laundry per year, it’s essential to have an energy-efficient washing machine. To achieve this, practice proper loading techniques. For example, make sure towels are with towels, jeans with jeans, delicates with delicates, etc. If an item exceeds the size of the washer, don’t force it. It is better to pay for the cleaners than a repair bill.
In addition to proper loading techniques, use high-quality detergent, and avoid using too much detergent. Overloading detergent can leave residue on clothes and damage on the pump, motor, and seals, dramatically reducing the lifespan of the machine. That’s why it’s essential to stick to the recommended amount of detergent. Remember, more detergent doesn’t meet cleaner, and more softener doesn’t mean fresher.
Dryer
The dryer is one of the most popular and neglected appliances in the home. To make it more energy-efficient, you’ll need to clean your lint filter after each cycle thoroughly. The more lint that accumulates into the vent, the less energy efficient your dryer will be with the next load.
Dryer sheets can leave a residue on the dryer screen, which can drastically reduce airflow and lead to higher energy use. Although dryer sheets are fine to use, you’ll need to clean up their waxy buildup by cleaning the dryer screens with hot soapy water and a brush at least twice a year. If the lint screen holds water under the facet you know it needs attention.
It’s important to note that a lack of airflow in your dryer means the appliance will work overtime, leading to overheating of the motor and extra drying cycles. On top of that, overheating will shorten the life of its parts and components.
Dishwasher
In addition to cleaning the dishwasher filter regularly, make sure you always have a full load before you start the appliance. This is because the dishwasher will expend the same amount of energy each wash, regardless if you have two glasses or a filled top and bottom rack. However, avoid over stuffing the appliance, as the energy dispersed won’t be enough to scrub the extra items. This means you’ll have to rewash the dishes and waste more water and electricity.
Note: It is better and more energy efficient to run a partial dishwasher load than it is to hand wash.
Although this may seem backward, there is no need to pre-rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. If you do, the built-in soil sensor may misread the amount of dissolved debris in the water. Plus, the detergent won’t have anything to break down, resulting in the breakdown of breakdown seals and other dishwasher components. So it is important not to use too much detergent and have proper soil.
Microwave
If you want an energy-efficient home, don’t let your microwave stay dirty for an extended period. A filthy microwave will reduce its effectiveness, as much of the electricity used will go toward heating the buildup instead of the food.
Oven and Stove
If you are an avid cook, follow these tips for an energy-efficient oven and stove. First, try cooking several dishes at once to save energy (and time). It is best to use convection if cooking multiple items at once. Also, consider using ceramic or glass pans, as they tend to hold heat better than metal ones. And although it may be tempting to peek, don’t! Peeking will lead to heat escaping, which can make your oven work harder. Instead, use the oven light, and keep the oven door closed until your food is done.
Additional Energy Saving Tips
Unplug appliances.
Whether it’s a toaster, coffee maker, or blender, you most likely have at least one appliance plugged in at all times, even when you’re not using it. Believe it or not, these appliances will still consume energy, so make it part of your morning or evening routine to unplug any unused appliances. This quick and easy task can save you from overpaying on your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
Install energy-efficient appliances.
Consider when replacing appliances to replace them with energy-efficient models. Specific models use about 20% or more less water and electricity. Don’t replace your appliances just for efficiency reasons only. You will never make up the new appliance cost in energy savings.
Taking the time to perform some essential maintenance allows the appliances to function in the right manner. When appliance parts are failing, it can cause more strain on the other parts. What was once a straightforward fix, can turn into a much larger issue. Appliances that need to work harder can use more energy and take additional cycles.
Contact iFiX for Your Appliance Repairs
If you want to have an energy-efficient home, you can’t neglect your appliances. Regular appliance maintenance will go a long way. Not only will it help you avoid costly repairs, but it will also help you reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy bills. It’s a win-win! Quite often it’s the small things with appliances that can make a difference. Appliances are here to make our lives easier! If you need appliance repair, contact iFiX today to schedule an appointment.
One Response
Thank you for your tip to always unplug your appliances when you aren’t using them. My wife noticed that our microwave keeps making a weird noise. I think we need someone to come and take a look at it. I’ll be sure to unplug it in the meantime.