Want to trim monthly expenses? Contribute to a cleaner environment? Then take a long, hard look at how you use household appliances, says Judith Wessel, former home management and equipment specialist for Ohio State University Extension.
Energy conservation is one way to fight higher electric bills. You can do more than turn off lights and appliances not in use. Wessel shares these energy tips:
- USE THE SMALLEST APPLIANCE YOU CAN to do the job. A toaster uses less energy than a broiler; a slow cooker or pressure cooker uses less than an oven. When cooking small quantities of food, microwave ovens usually use less energy than a range or conventional oven.
- COOK SEVERAL FOODS at one time in a skillet or in the oven to make maximum use of the energy being used.
- PLAN AHEAD and defrost items in the refrigerator, not on the counter. It's safer, and the frozen food absorbs warmer air, reducing the refrigerator's running time.
- COVER ALL LIQUIDS in the refrigerator. Moisture evaporates from uncovered liquids and makes the refrigerator work harder.
- WHEN LAUNDERING, use hot water only when necessary. Always use cold water for rinsing.
- STUDY ENERGY guide labels when buying new appliances. Energy guide labels are required on all major appliances except ranges and clothes dryers, which differ little in their energy usage. Energy-efficient appliances save you money in the long run, although they usually cost more up front.
