Want to save money on your energy and water bill this year? There's plenty of ways to do that around the house such as with new vinyl windows, but what about your appliances and installations? Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries contain some of our biggest appliances, and are also where we can waste a lot of water if we’re not careful. Following are some ways you can make your kitchen, bathroom and laundry more energy-efficient.
- Save water by fixing leaky faucets and using faucet aerators.
- Look out for the ENERGY STAR brand when buying or replacing major appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines. You’ll use between 20 and 40 percent less energy, which makes for big savings on your energy bill over the life of the appliance.
- Pack your dishwasher efficiently, and aim to only wash with a full load. Also get familiar with the energy-saving options on your dishwasher - such as rinse only, economy cycle and cold water – and use them where appropriate. Dishwashers can produce considerable heat and humidity, so during summer try to use them in the evening and cooler parts of the day.
- When shopping for a new washing machine, choose a front loader, as it is more energy efficient than a top loader. Also, make sure it suits your household size and needs, and allows you to change the amount of time and water you use in a wash cycle.
- Aim to wash only full loads of clothes and use the right temperature and water setting – switching from hot to warm water can reduce your energy use by half.
- Use your microwave oven instead of your conventional stove when possible, as it uses between a half and one-third of the energy.
- In summer, use the exhaust fan to blow hot cooking air out of your kitchen. You’ll save far more in cooling costs than you’ll spend on the fan’s electricity.
- When cooking on the stovetop, use the burner that best matches the size of the pot you are using. Also place lids on pots and pans so you can cook at lower settings without heat escaping.
- Cut down how often you open the fridge, as well as the oven door while the oven is in-use.
- If possible, place your fridge and freezer away from heat sources such as direct sunlight, stovetops and heating equipment.
- Keep your fridge compartment between 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer compartment between zero to five degrees Fahrenheit.
- Regularly defrost and clean your fridge, including the coils and condenser area at the back.
- Make sure the seal on your oven, fridge and freezer are fitted properly – they should hold a piece of paper in place when the appliance doors are closed. Repair any faulty seals to prevent the loss of hot or cold air.
- Reduce heat loss by insulating your hot water pipes and tanks with heat tapes or insulation blankets.
- Install an energy efficient showerhead to save around $250 on your water bill over three years.
- Take showers instead of baths – they use five to ten gallons less water.
