Akamai Appliance Use
Energy efficiency rules for appliances are similar to those for driving a car.
Here are general guidelines to remember:
- Full loads are better than many small ones. Driving a car load of people saves gas. Running full loads in the dishwasher, washer and dryer saves electricity.
- Maintenance = efficiency. Well-maintained cars use less gas to run smoothly. Appliances that are clean, dust- and lint-free function better and need less electricity.
- Turn it off. Don’t leave the engine running. Switch off lights and electronic equipment when not in use.
In the Kitchen
Save cooking time and energy by keeping your kitchen appliances in top shape.
Follow these simple steps:
- Match pots and pans to the size of the heating element to avoid wasted heat.
- Use pot lids when cooking to keep the heat inside.
- Microwave to heat dishes or cook dinner for one or two. It uses less energy than the oven.
- Bake or broil several dishes at the same time to maximize oven heat.
- Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
- Replace refrigerator door seals if a piece of paper placed between the seals is easy to pull out. The seals should be airtight to keep cold air in and hot air out.
- Dust the refrigerator condenser coils regularly. The coils are usually found at the bottom of your refrigerator. Clean coils save energy.
- Turn off older, second refrigerators. These can cost $150 to $1,000 more per year to operate compared to models manufactured after 2001.
Washer/Dryer
Fight dirt and high energy bills with these easy tips:
- Use cold warm/cold or cold/cold instead of the hot/warm setting, especially during the rinse cycle. Cold water cleans clothes just as well as hot water.
- Dry full loads and multiple loads in succession to use retained heat.
- Clean the dryer's lint filter often to help air circulation. This makes the dryer more efficient and avoids fire hazards.
Click here for tips on how to buy energy efficient home appliances.