Dishwashers

Dishwashers

  • Approximate kWh per month: 10 kWh
  • Only do dishes once a day. It may be more efficient to do one dishwasher load a day than to wash your dishes by hand three times a day.
  • Lowering your water heater temperature a few degrees can save on energy usage. With a dishwasher, you need a setting of about 140 degrees.
  • Don't crowd your dishes. Don't block the spray arms when you load.
  • Clean food off dishes first. Before loading, scrape off dishes and rinse them quickl

Washers and dryers

Washers and dryers

  • Approximate kWh per month: 91kWh
  • Don't use an entire wash cycle for only a couple of garments. On the other hand, jamming too much into a wash load causes extra wrinkles and lint.
  • Always clean the lint trap after each use, or before you start a new load. Also, double-check the pockets of your garments.
  • Maintain dryer vents and clean underneath and behind the dryer regularly.
  • Plan your drying cycle. First dry larger, bulkier clothes, and then use a shorter cycle

Ovens and stoves

Ovens and stoves

Reduce your energy use with every meal

  • Approximate kWh per month: 120 kWh
  • Check foods through the oven window. You may lose 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit each time you open the door.
  • Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking time ends. For many dishes, especially those that require a long cooking time, you can turn off the oven a few minutes before finishing.

Lighting

Lighting

How to save energy with your lights


Being conscious of each area’s different lighting needs will help to reduce use as well. As an example, reading rooms, workshops and outdoor areas all have different needs. There are several options that will fulfill your needs for the space while reducing the energy cost.