Tip 21 - Shop Smart |
| Over a refrigerator's 15- to 20-year life, the electricity to cool it costs several times its purchase price. The suggestions here can help improve the efficiency of appliances but the greatest efficiency gains are possible when your appliances must be replaced. Shop smart. |
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ENERGY AND APPLIANCES
- The most efficient new appliances typically use 50 percent less energy than the most wasteful models.
- For example, spark ignition instead of a pilot light can cut a stove's gas use by 40 percent to 50 percent.
- Convection ovens, which use fans to distribute heat evenly, are more efficient and 30 percent faster than standard models.
- Check out the EnergyGuide labels, required by law on all major appliances except clothes dryers. The labels compare the appliance's energy use with similar models.
- Buy the most efficient unit to reduce utility bills and make sure it's the right size for your needs. Generally, the larger the unit, the more energy it uses.
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FRIDGE FACTS
- According to Worldwatch, "every year, the average American refrigerator consumes electricity generated from almost exactly as much coal as could be packed inside it; the most efficient model available uses about a freezer full."
- Some refrigerators have heaters to keep gaskets from sticking, to defrost and to prevent condensation from forming on the outside of the refrigerator. Newer models use their heaters more efficiently.
- Choose a refrigerator with a freezer on top rather than a side-by-side unit. On average, the savings amount to 20 percent.
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DISHWASHER DATA
- Buy a dishwasher with an air-dry setting, which may cut your dishwashing energy use by up to 50 percent.
- Choose a model with a built-in heater to boost the water temperature. Then you can lower your water heater setting by 10°F, which will cut your heating energy use by up to six percent.
- Models with short-cycle options can save up to 25 percent on hot water and electricity when washing lightly soiled loads.
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IN THE LAUNDRY
- Buy a clothes washer with adjustable water levels and temperature controls and use only as much as you need.
- Buy a dryer with moisture sensors. These sensors turn off the dryer automatically when your clothes are dry and can cut energy use 10 percent to 15 percent. Moisture sensors are more efficient than temperature sensor controls or standard timers.
- Cool-down cycles will tumble your clothes in cooler air during the last five minutes of the drying cycle, saving energy and reducing wrinkles at the same time. Visit City Light's Web site on Clothes Washing.
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AIR CONDITIONER TIPS
- Room-sized air conditioners are labeled with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) number. The higher the EER, the better. Ten is good, 11-12 or above is excellent. The label also lists a range of EERs for other units of about the same cooling capacity.
- Central air conditioners have a similar rating known as the SEER. (The "S" stands for seasonal.) A SEER of 12 is good, 14 or more is better.
- Choose the right size unit for your needs. Measure the area you want to cool, count the windows and doors and ask your dealer for suggestions.
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HOT WATER TANKS Visit City Light's web pages on Water Heating.
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