|
Use your appliances wisely and you can enjoy their full benefit without
overpaying. Here are a few pointers to consider:
- Use small appliances: Microwave ovens, toaster ovens and slow cookers
use less electricity and generate less heat than the oven or
range top.
- Range and Oven:
Cooking in the oven is more efficient than on the range top because
an electric oven is actually on for only about one-third of each
hour of cooking. Remember: every time you open the oven door,
the oven loses 20% of its heat. When you do cook on the range
top, match the surface unit size to your pan.
- Refrigerator:
Check and clean the coils on your refrigerator regularly. Check
to be sure the door gaskets seal properly by closing the door
on a new dollar bill. If you can pull it out, you're wasting
electricity. Keep the refrigerator out of the sun and away from
the range.
- Dishwasher:
Run the dishwasher when it's fully loaded only. Use the
air dry cycle.
- Clothes washer:
Using a cold water rinse for your clothes can save 17 gallons
of hot water every time you wash. Save more by using a cold water
detergent in cold water for the entire wash cycle.
- Clothes dryer:
Over drying clothes shortens fabric life and wastes electricity.
Don't dry heavy fabrics together with lightweight fabrics.
- Hot water: Consider installing a large-capacity, energy efficient electric water heater through our H2O Select® program. Then, set your water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees (140 degrees if you use a dishwasher) and repair leaks as quickly as possible. Take showers instead of baths and install an energy-efficient shower head (available at your local hardware store).
Insulation
Proper insulation can cut
energy costs by as much as half! Insulate outside walls, attics,
spaces between floors, around heating ducts and pipes that are
exposed to the elements.
Insulate
nooks and crannies such as wall outlets, gaps in siding and around
the foundation and holes around pipes, ducts and exhaust fans.
The
chart below shows the recommended insulation, as measured in
resistance numbers, or R values. High R values mean bigger savings.
| Area |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| Ceiling |
R-19 |
R-38 |
| Wall |
R-11 |
R-18 |
| Floor |
R-11 |
R-19 |
|