Appliance Advice

Be Energy-Wise when buying your next appliance.

While all appliances must meet federal minimum energy-efficiency standards, as indicated by the yellow and black EnergyGuide label that makes it easy to compare models, many manufacturers go beyond the standard. Consider ENERGY STAR^® labeled products for your greatest savings. They use less energy than other products, save energy, money and our environment.

What does it cost? (PDF: 613KB)

Tips to Lower Your Monthly Energy Bill

	Is your refrigerator near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents? Move it, if you can; you’ll save money and energy.
	Vacuum refrigerator coils four times a year. Dirt and pet hair build up and that makes your refrigerator work harder to keep your food cool.
	Remember that old test…If you easily can pull a dollar bill from the refrigerator door, change the door gasket. You are losing cold air.
	Use the energy saver option on your dishwasher. And clean the filter after each washing.
	Wash clothing in cold water whenever possible. And, since a clothes dryer is one of the home’s biggest users of energy, how about letting Mother Nature blow your clothing dry on occasion.
	Clean your dryer filter after each use.
	Don’t over-dry clothing. You’ll save energy and reduce the heat’s wear and tear on your clothes.
	Dry only full loads. Small loads are less economical.
	Do a few loads in a row to take advantage of the dryer’s reserved heat.
	Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees. You’ll save 15 percent of your water-heating energy.
	Buy a self-cleaning oven. They have higher insulation levels and use less energy than ordinary ovens.
	Just like your refrigerator door, your oven door should shut tight. Do the dollar bill test and, if necessary, adjust or replace the gasket.
	Clean reflectors do their job better. They reflect heat and save energy.