Green tips and Money Saving Ideas

Tips on How to be Energy Smart


How to Know if your Home is Wasting its Watts?


Many of our household electrical products continue to draw power even when they're not in use. Some studies show that up to 8% of all U.S. household use comes from this.

Some products are more trouble to turn off, like TVs, because they require reprogramming each time they're plugged in, but check these out:

Look for Energy Star labels - most of these products use less energy when on standby.

Avoid energy-using features you don't need - like ice makers in freezers, wireless sound speakers and extra cordless phone charging bases.

Washers and Dryers really evolved over the last 10 years - Top loaders still lag behind front loaders in energy and water efficiency.


When to Buy New or Repair the Old: Ask These Questions:

What to look for in a Dryer?

  1. Insist on a moisture sensor for your dryer. This feature automatically turns off the machine when the clothes are dry which protects clothes from damage & saves energy.

  2. Consider a Gas Dryer if you have the option: Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run and have less impact on the environment. They cost more, but their operating cost is less, allowing you to re-coop the cost in a year or two.

Washer Tips:

Recycling: Nearly 90% of all household appliances, like washers and dryers, are now recycled thanks to many state and municipal bans on landfill usage.

Donating is another way to recycle used but older model appliances that are replaced with new and it makes sense to give to those who are in need.

Refrigerators have had major improvements over the older models. Those built before 2001 are 40% less efficient than Energy Star models of today! Even though efficiency diminishes as the product ages, Consumer Reports test show that the energy savings offsets the purchase price.

Tips:

Recycling: 84% of major appliances, including refrigerators are recycled for scrap steel. Visit the EPA website for more information. All refrigerators contain coolants that are harmful to the environment, but newer models are being created that are replacing the HFC refrigerants with safer chemicals that are less toxic and hazardous.

Dishwashers are actually more efficient than washing dishes by hand! Studies show that handwashing uses 4 gallons and typically dishwashers use about 2 gallons.


Replace or Repair?

Replace dishwashers that are 6 years old or older - newer models use less water, have more sophisticated sensors and wash better. Newer models also use about 32% less energy than older models.


Dishwashing Tips:

  1. Avoid detergents that contain phosphates. Even though this chemical is found in the best performing detergents and enzymes, phosphates may harm the environment by promoting algae growth.
  2. Don't pre-rinse dishes before loading - by scraping excess food into the garbage or compost bucket, pre-rinsing wastes nearly 20 extra gallons of water per load or 6,500 gallons per household each year.
  3. Wash full loads only - you can run the rinse-and-hold-cycle if you don't fill up your wash every day.
  4. Load smart - place soiled side of dishes toward the center of the machine for better exposure to the sprays. Large items need to stay to the sides and back.
  5. Don't let dishes or utensils nestle too tightly - that would prevent water from reaching all surfaces. Check owner's manual for loading instructions.
  6. Skip special cycles - Light, Normal and Pots and Pans are adequate for most chores. Sanitizing sounds good, but once you touch them, they are no longer sanitized.
From: GreenerChoices, Consumer Reports