When you add up the energy use for all of your miscellaneous household appliances, the total can account for more than any other single appliance ... including your heating system! Here are some ideas on how to save energy and money around the home.
In the Kitchen
Cooking
Use the right tool for the job. Using a full-size oven is not always necessary. Smaller appliances can get the job done for less, especially when cooking smaller meals. The chart below shows several methods of cooking the same meal and the energy consumed by comparison.
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Appliance |
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Electric Oven |
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Convection Oven |
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Toaster Oven |
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Crockpot |
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Microwave Oven |
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General Tips
- When appropriate, use a pressure cooker. By using steam pressure, it cooks at a higher temperature and reduces cooking time.
- Keep pots and pans covered. Water boils faster and foods cook quicker.
- Use the smallest pot or pan necessary. Smaller pans require less energy.
- Match the pan size to the element or burner size. For instance, a 6" pan on an 8" element will waste 40% of the energy produced by the element.
- Use reflective burner (drip) pans. Reflective burner pans under the elements reflect heat up toward the cooking surface. Always keep the burner pans clean and shiny.
- Use flat-bottom cookware. Burner elements are significantly less efficient if the pan does not have good contact with the element.
- Preheat ovens only when required. Except for baking, most foods can be cooked without preheating.
- Keep the oven door closed - each time you open the oven door the heat escapes. Use your oven light and look through the window instead.
- Don't line oven racks with foil. Foods cook more quickly and evenly when air circulates freely. Stagger pans on upper and lower racks.
- Bake in glass or ceramic cookware. You can turn the temperature down by 25° F and foods will cook in the same time.
- Use timers and meat thermometers to avoid overcooking. Not only does overcooking ruin the meal, it wastes energy as well.
- Use the self-cleaning feature after you've cooked a meal. The oven will still be hot, and this feature will require less energy.
- For microwave ovens, keep the inside surface clean to promote efficient cooking.
Dishwashing
Depending on how you wash dishes by hand, you could actually save money by using a dishwasher. 80% of the energy used by a dishwasher goes toward water heating. Older dishwashers use 8 - 14 gallons of water. Newer models (after 1994) use 7- 10 gallons. Washing dishes in the sink two or three times a day, especially if you leave the water running instead of using a dishpan, could use much more water.
General Tips
- Use energy-saving wash cycles. Most dishwashers have various wash cycles you can select. The energy-saving feature allows you to use less water on dishes that are less soiled.
- Use the "No-heat" dry feature. Most dishwashers have a built-in heating element to dry the dishes. The "No-heat" dry feature circulates room air through the dishwasher by fans. If your dishwasher does not have this feature, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse and open the door to air dry the dishes.
- Try not to locate your dishwasher next to the refrigerator. The heat produced by the dishwasher will cause your refrigerator to work harder.
- Don't pre-rinse dishes. Most newer dishwashers don't require a pre-rinse. Scrape food, empty liquids, and wipe off grease with a paper towel. If you must pre-rinse, use cold water.
- Wash only full loads. The dishwasher will use the same amount of water if it is half empty or completely full.
- Load dishes according to manufacturer's directions. This will ensure optimum performance.
In the Laundry
Clothes Washing
Water heating accounts for 90% of the energy consumption of washing machines. The single most effective way to reduce the energy consumption of your washer is to wash in cold water. Most popular laundry detergents work well with cooler water temperatures.
Washer Consumption/ Electric Hot Water
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| Hot / Hot |
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| Hot / Warm |
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| Hot / Cold |
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| Warm / Warm |
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| Warm / Cold |
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| Cold / Cold |
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General Tips
- Load the washer to capacity whenever possible. Most people tend to underload their washing machines. One large load of laundry will use less energy than two small or medium loads.
- Match the water level to size of the load. When you don't have a full load, use the appropriate water level setting.
Clothes Drying
General Tips
- Separate clothes for drying purposes. Lightweight synthetics dry much faster than bath towels or natural fiber materials such as denim.
- Don't over-dry clothes. Take clothes out while they are still slightly damp. This will reduce the need for ironing. Over-drying also causes shrinkage, increases static electricity, and shortens fabric life.
- Dry two or more loads in a row. Take advantage of the heat still in the dryer from the first load.
- Don't add wet items to a load that is partially dry. This will cause the dryer to run longer.
- Dry full loads when possible. Drying small loads wastes energy.
- Clean the lint trap after each load. A clogged lint trap will restrict air flow and reduce dryer performance.
- Check the vent to the outside. Proper ventilation is important for the proper operation of your dryer. Keep it clean and free from obstruction.
- Use a "solar clothes dryer" - hang clothes outdoors. In good weather, take advantage of the sun... it's free.
In Bedrooms
Portable Space Heaters
In general, portable space heaters are a bad idea. Besides being very costly to operate, they represent a serious safety hazard to you and your family. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 120,000 residential fires occur annually (22% of all residential fires) from the use of supplemental heaters. About half of the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night when family members are asleep.
Electric blankets offer a safer, more affordable alternative. A single electric space heater can consume approximately 1500 kWh in an average year. By comparison, an electric blanket consumes only about 150 kWh in an average year.
Waterbeds
As many as 20% of homes in the U.S. have waterbeds. Most waterbeds are heated by electric coils underneath the mattress. The average waterbed heater uses about 900 kWh a year.
General Tips
- Regularly covering the bed with a comforter can save more than 30%. Insulating the sides of the bed can save an additional 10%.
- If you have a temperature control--keep it turned down. If you don't have a temperature control, consider using a timer.
- By purchasing an insulating mattress cover you can save even more. In some cases, using a heater is not even necessary with an insulating mattress cover.
