Appliances
Energy efficient appliances help to reduce energy costs
Upgrading all your older appliances to high-efficiency new ones would be the fastest way to to dramatically reduce utility bills and save energy .... but this is just not practical. Many appliances, no matter their age, can still be used in an efficient way. However, when it is time to look for a new appliance there are a number of things that you should take into consideration.
Dishwashers -Look for dishwashers that carry the Energy Star label. They use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard. These washers also use less water. Also look for dishwashers that have an internal water heater. More information - Consumer Reports, Asko, Energy Star
Refrigerators - Your refrigerator will consume more energy than any other appliance in your house. If you are looking for a new refrigerator look for ones that carry the Energy Star label. A modern Energy Star refrigerator will use less than half of the electricity than one built 10 years ago. Also consider ones with the freezer on the bottom for best cooling or multiple doors with ice & water on the outside to reduce opening the door and releasing cold air. More information - Consumer Reports, Energy Star, NY Times article
Cooking -It is generally agreed that an electric oven combined with a gas cook top (with a pilotless ignition) is the best bet.More information - Consumer Reports
Washer - Front loading washers save energy and money and the newest machines water level sensors and other energy saving features.
According to Alliant Energy "Front-loading washers do offer some advantages over top-loaders. Instead of a vertical agitator that turns back and forth, the drum of a horizontal-axis washer rotates like that of a clothes dryer, rolling clothes through a small pool of water.
This allows more room for larger loads, shorter and more efficient spin cycles, less detergent required and fewer repairs.
The greatest benefit of a front-load washer is energy savings – because it uses so much less hot water, you’ll save up to $100 a year on water heating!"
Dryer - Like newer washers, clothes dryers have new features like moisture-sensing and load-sensing. Again consider a natural gas or propane dryer for best efficiency.
Ceiling fan - A ceiling fan can be used to circulate warm or cool air throughout and entire house. Choose a fan with variable speeds, reversible rotation, and variable-pitch blades optimize heating and cooling, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
In the summer use the fan to lift cool air toward the ceiling from the floor and in the winter switch the rotation of the blades to help circulate warm air trapped against the ceiling.
