The electricity we use goes beyond the light bulb and hot water. Appliances are a huge part of any home. We may take them for granted, but they can also be a drain on your wallet. The cost of utilities is one of the top five expenses in most homes. However, there are ways to cut these costs without sacrificing your lifestyle or comfort.
Many energy-efficient appliances can help you save money while keeping you comfortable at home. The trick is knowing which ones will suit your needs and identifying their energy usage levels so that you don’t spend more than necessary on your monthly bills. Let’s take a look at some of the most energy-hungry appliances and see how we can reduce the cost of using them in our homes:
The Dishwasher
A dishwasher is a specialized appliance designed for washing dishes. They come in manual and automatic models and are a convenience many homeowners don’t want to live without. However, dishwashers aren’t only a convenience. They can also be a significant source of electricity usage in the home.
If you have an older model dishwasher, you may want to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer models use up to 50% less water than older models. This can add up to big savings on both your water and electricity bills.
In addition, run your dishwasher only when it is full. Dishwashers are designed to be most efficient when they are full. Also, try to wash only full loads of dishes by hand. Doing so will prevent you from running the dishwasher constantly, and it will also keep your water and electricity bills down.
The Dryer
A dryer is a major appliance in many households. It is designed to take moisture from clothing and other fabrics and dry them quickly using a heat source. While using a dryer to dry your clothing is quick and easy, it may also consume a lot of power.
Dryers are energy efficient, but many homeowners fail to clean the lint trap regularly. This leads to a buildup of lint behind the trap, which inhibits air flow and increases the energy usage of your dryer.
If you aren’t cleaning your lint trap regularly, you will likely notice an increase in your monthly energy bill as well. Cleaning your lint trap after every use can reduce the amount of energy your dryer uses, and it will also help prevent fires.
The Computer & Printer
A computer is a must-have item in many households, and a printer seems to be standard equipment in offices of all types. While they can be useful items, they are also major energy hogs. Investing in an Energy Star-certified computer and printer can save energy and money.
Both of these devices use significantly less energy than standard models and will also help you save on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, unplug your computer and printer when you aren’t using them. Computers and printers consume energy even when they are turned off.
The Fridge
A refrigerator is a staple in most households, and it can be a major energy user. Yes, it is true that fridges consume more electricity than any other home appliances. However, there are several methods to lower the expense of operating a refrigerator while also saving electricity.
Be careful to get an Energy Star-certified refrigerator if you’re buying a new one. These refrigerators consume approximately 20% less energy than standard models. Keeping the door open longer than necessary or leaving food out on the shelves can also increase energy usage.
Be sure to keep items in the fridge that aren’t yet spoiled, and keep the door closed as much as possible.
The Stove & Oven
A stove and oven are must-have appliances in many kitchens, but they can also be substantial energy users. Keeping your stove clean, using the correct temperature setting and not running the oven non-stop can save you energy and money.
When purchasing a stove and oven, look for energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, always clean your oven regularly. A dirty oven can increase the amount of energy that is required to heat it, thus increasing the amount of energy you use.
A vacuum is a great appliance for keeping your house clean. It can also be a significant source of electricity, though, if you aren’t careful. A vacuum that is full of dust and other debris is going to be much less efficient than one that is clean.
Be sure to clean your vacuum regularly. Vacuums also vary in their energy efficiency. An upright vacuum will use more energy than a canister vacuum, but a canister vacuum will use more energy than a handheld vacuum.
Summing Up
The electricity we use goes beyond the light bulb and hot water. Appliances are a huge part of any home. There are many ways to reduce the cost of using energy-hungry appliances in your home. However, the first step is being aware of which devices use the most energy and then taking steps to reduce their energy usage.
You may significantly reduce your energy use and costs with a few adjustments. Using more energy-efficient appliances, cutting back on unnecessary service, and being aware of how weather conditions can affect energy costs can help you keep your bills low.
