Saving Money

Save Energy, Save Money

Appliances Clothes Washers and Dryers

Stay Cool: Wash as much clothing in cold water as possible. Most clothes don’t need to be washed in hot water to get clean.

Make It Quick: You probably do not need to run your clothes washer for the full cycle. A 5-6 minute washing cycle will work fine for most daily loads (and make for less wear and tear on your clothing). Also towels used to dry off after a shower probably don’t need to be washed more than once a week since you are clean when you use them.

Stay Clean: Clean the dryer lint screen every time you use it, and also check the hose that connects to the wall periodically to make sure lint hasn’t accumulated there. Not only can you save money, but you may prevent a fire as well.

Hang It Up: Install a clothesline to dry (or partially dry) clothing when the weather is nice. As an added bonus, your clothes will have a fresh smell!

Don't Skimp: When you do use the dryer, make sure you have a full load of clothes. It will actually take clothes longer to dry if you use a small load.

Get the Best: When you do buy a new washer, choose an energy efficient front-loading model to conserve water.

Dishwashers

Air Dry: Run your dishwasher right before bed and open the door so it will air dry overnight.

Fill It Up: Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load. (It’s usually cheaper, by the way, to run a fully loaded efficient dishwasher than to wash a comparable amount of dishes by hand.)

Refrigerators

Fill It Up: A full refrigerator and freezer are more energy efficient. Keep yours full or use gallon jogs of water to take up unused space.

Trash It: An old refrigerator may be an energy hog. Consider whether the cost of a refrigerator in the garage, for example, is worth the cost. Also check for leaks by closing the door on a piece of paper. If it pulls out easily, the seal is probably worn. When you do buy a new fridge, choose an energy efficient model.

Water Heater

According to the Department of Energy, heating water accounts for about 14% of your utility bill. Here are some tips for cutting that expense:

Go Low: Turn down your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees (unless your dishwasher requires a higher temperature).

Wrap It Up: Use an insulation blanket on your water heater.

Time It Right: If you use hot water at fairly regular times during the day (early morning and evening, for example) install a timer that will allow you to turn off the hot water heater during times when you aren’t likely to use it.

Hot water will still be stored in the tank for use during the times it’s turned off. If you need more, for showers or the dishwasher, you can just turn the hot water heater on ahead of time.

Invest In The Best:
Consider a new energy efficient water heater if yours is old. Tankless water heaters are especially efficient because they heat water as it passes through the appliance. They only heat water as it is needed and don’t take time to reheat water.

Conserving Water

Whether you live in a part of the country where water is plentiful or not, it’s still a good idea to preserve this natural resource.

Water Wisely: If you must water your lawn or outdoor plants, always do it in the early morning or late evening. Water during the heat of the day and as much as half of the water from the sprinkler will water the air! Mulch trees and plants so you won’t have to water them as often to help them stay healthy.

Watch the Grass Grow: Put off mowing the lawn long enough to allow a taller base of grass to grow, then set your mower for a higher cut. Longer grass will retain moisture better, and will actually look – and be -- healthier. Go Local: Instead of landscaping, try xeroscaping – using native plants and trees, especially drought-resistant varieties, to save water.

Try Low Flow: Energy-saving low flow showerheads can pay for themselves in just a few months. Invest in a good quality one (around $35) or you may be disappointed with the results. Got kids who love to shower for hours? Get a timer to tell them when shower time is up. Shut It Off: Turn off the water when you’re not using it – when you’re brushing your teeth or shampooing your hair, for example.

Lighting Use Fluorescents: Compact fluorescent bulbs cost more but can save money in the long run, and last much longer. In fact, replacing just 25% of the lights you use often with fluorescents can cut 50% off the portion of your energy bill you spend on lighting.

Turn Them off: Turning lights off when you leave the room will save electricity and money. For More Information on ways to cut your energy bill, contact your local power company, and visit the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver website at ww.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov