Major Appliances
- I have a separate chest freezer – is this costing me a lot to run, and how can I cut the cost?
- Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to save energy with my refrigerator?
- Is it a good idea to vent my clothes dryer inside to capture the extra heat in the winter?
- What is the purpose of the EnergGuide labels on appliances, and what do they tell me?
- What does the ENERGY STAR symbol signify?
- Can I save energy by using a microwave or toaster oven for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
- Are there any simple ways I can save energy and money with my dishwasher?
- I recently set my water heater temperature back to 50°C (122°F) and have noticed spotting and soap residue on my dishes. Do I need to turn the water heater back up to 60°C (140°F)?
- How can I save energy and money on washing and drying clothes?
Q. I have a separate chest freezer – is this costing me a lot to run, and how can I cut the cost?
A. Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest energy consumers in the average home. A separate freezer makes economic sense when you can buy large quantities of food and freeze it. If the freezer is empty or nearly empty, try to use the freezer compartment in your refrigerator and turn off the additional freezer.
Q. Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to save energy with my refrigerator?
A. Yes. Make sure the door gasket fits snugly to keep the cold air inside, clean the coils (located either on the bottom or the back) regularly, and avoid overfilling the refrigerator – there needs to be enough room for the cold air to circulate.
Q. Is it a good idea to vent my clothes dryer inside to capture the extra heat in the winter?
A. Definitely not. The heated air blown out the vent also contains all of the moisture that has been removed from the clothes. This moisture can cause problems ranging from excessive condensation on windows to long-term structural damage.
Q. What is the purpose of the EnerGuide labels on appliances, and what do they tell me?
A. These labels allow you to compare energy use and costs of comparable appliances. Most will have a horizontal scale showing the least efficient model, the most efficient one, and where that particular appliance falls on the scale within that size category. They also have a table that allows you to estimate your annual energy cost based on local electric or gas rates. As with mileage ratings on automobiles, your actual cost may vary depending on usage.
Q. What does the ENERGY STAR® symbol signify?
A. The international ENERGY STAR symbol is a simple way for consumers to identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Only manufacturers and retailers whose products meet the ENERGY STAR criteria can label their products with this symbol. Choosing an ENERGY STAR-labelled product over a conventional model could save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs.
For an energy-efficient household appliance, home heating or office equipment, consumer electronics or other products, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol.
Q. Can I save energy by using a microwave or toaster oven for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
A. Yes. Microwaves are excellent for defrosting and reheating cooked food, and use much less electricity than an electric range or oven. Toaster ovens also use less and are good for heating or cooking small quantities of food.
To save even more energy, place the frozen food into your refrigerator and let it slowly thaw there. This not only saves microwave energy but will also reduce the energy your fridge needs to cool its contents.
Q. Are there any simple ways I can save energy and money with my dishwasher?
A. Run full loads whenever possible (this also saves water), and use the "air dry" setting or open the door after the cycle is completed, instead of using the "heated dry" cycle.
Q. I recently set my water heater temperature back to 50°C (122°F) and have noticed spotting and soap residue on my dishes. Do I need to turn the water heater back up to 60°C (140°F)?
A. Part of the problem may reside with your dishwasher detergent. You may want to try one of the newer liquid dishwasher soaps that generally work well at lower water temperatures. Regarding the setpoint temperature, we recommend that electric water heaters be set at 60°C (140°F) and natural gas water heaters at 55°C (131°F). This is to ensure that bacteria, which thrives at lower temperatures, does not get a chance to grow.
Q. How can I save energy and money on washing and drying clothes?
A. Always use the lowest appropriate temperature settings (for both washers and dryers). If your washer has a water level setting, adjust the level to the load being washed. Avoid overdrying clothes, and always try to run full loads, in both the washer and dryer. Weather permitting, try using a "solar clothes dryer" (clothesline).
