HIGH EFFICIENCY RANGE AND MICROWAVE

Today’s technology offers us high efficiency appliance options. And though they cost a bit more, challenge yourself to calculate the savings and see how these newer appliances pay for themselves in a short time. Not yet in the market for a new appliance? No problem… find tips here to use your appliances more efficiently.

• Appliances that safe energy

Selecting a more energy efficient appliance will save energy over the life of the appliance. This may be significant enough to offset a higher initial price. And, it has the additional benefit of reducing your household carbon footprint.  Consider too that the cost of energy is expected to increase. Your savings will become even more important with each passing year. When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can make it up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model. For top performance, premium features, and energy savings, look for energy-efficient clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

• Reduce Stand-by Power

Stand-by power is the low level of current drawn by the TV, cable box, computer, printer, stereo and other idle appliances in order to be ready at the press of a button. Because you don’t see the appliances running in the off position (as opposed to an idling car or a leaking faucet), you probably never consider taking steps to stop the power drain. You can minimize leaking energy by cutting the power to items not in use. Of course, unplugging every item in your home could be a bit cumbersome. Putting multiple appliances onto a power strip will make this much simpler. Even unplugging these electrical devices when you are going to be gone for several days is a step in the right direction. The level of stand-by power varies significantly. According to an energy efficiency study conducted in August 2000, stand-by power also varies from country to country. High variation underscores the tremendous impact personal lifestyle has on your energy footprint.

• Tips to Reduce My Appliance Energy Footprint

Following are more tips to reducing your appliance energy footprint. Commit to making one, two, or all part of your lifestyle. Use the washing machine or the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Understand and use the economy cycle options on your appliances. For example, run a low volume setting or skip the heat dry cycle on your dishwasher. Washing your clothes in cold or warm water can save a lot of energy. A whopping 85-90 percent of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water! Try hanging your laundry the old fashioned way, on the line to dry. Summer months are great times to do this, as it not only saves electricity, it keeps your house cooler. It also gets you outside and gives you a bit of exercise. Your microwave oven is one of the most efficient appliances in your home. Using the microwave oven on hot days will help reduce the heat in your kitchen