Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI Shares Energy Saving Tips for Home Appliances

Reducing your electricity bill and optimizing energy usage is not all about using energy-efficient light bulbs or renewable energy for your home appliances. It also requires small changes in daily habits and practices that will add up to save energy and money. In this blog post, experts like Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI, will share tips that will help you save energy effortlessly without compromising your comfort or convenience.

Use A Smart Power Strip:

Smart power strips help save energy by shutting off the energy supply to devices that aren’t in use, reducing phantom loads. These strips can automatically shut off the energy supply to devices like gaming consoles, computers, and chargers as soon as you switch off or unplug the main device. 

Additionally, you can also set these power strips to shut off the energy supply to the devices after a particular time of inactivity.

Clean The Fridge Coils:

Dirt or dust accumulation on your refrigerator's coils will make them work harder and consume more energy to maintain a cool temperature. Regularly clean those coils with a coil brush or vacuum to help the fridge run more efficiently.

Another way to save energy with your fridge is to leave space between the refrigerator and walls, allowing air to circulate better. A fully stocked fridge or freezer runs more efficiently than an empty one. Just be sure not to overfill it.

Use The Dishwasher Energy-Saving Setting:

If your dishwasher has an energy-saving setting option, use it. This will reduce water usage and energy consumption from heating water, saving up to 50% on your energy bill. Also, skip the pre-rinse and allow your dishes to soak instead.

Air Dry Clothes Instead Of Using A Dryer:

Using a clothesline or drying rack saves you money and reduces the risk of clothes shrinking or getting damaged.  Use a clothesline or drying rack to air dry clothes instead of using the dryer. Plus, you’ll get a lovely, fresh laundry scent too!

Get Yourself A Programmable Thermostat:

Heating and cooling account for one of the highest energy use in your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can set your preferred temperature and put it on schedule to adjust automatically when you’re away or asleep. This will save you energy and reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Unplug Non-Essential Devices:

Most of us forget to unplug our appliances after use, which leads to standby power usage. Devices like phone chargers, cables, and even toasters can still consume energy even when unused. Keeping them plugged in is a common mistake and will add to your energy bill. Unplug non-essential devices and save energy.

Opt For Led Light Bulbs:

LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last much longer than traditional bulbs. They also produce less heat, making them safer and easier to handle. For example, if you replace five 60-watt incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs of the same watts, you can save up to $75 per year in energy costs.

Defrost The Freezer Regularly:

The ice build-up in your freezer hinders circulation and reduces the appliance’s efficiency, making it work harder and consume more energy. Defrost your freezer regularly to ensure optimal performance. In addition to defrosting, ensure the fridge temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Insulate Your Home:

Proper insulation keeps your home warm during winter and cool during summer. This means you can reduce the usage of heating and cooling devices and save energy. Insulate your windows, doors, walls, roof, and floors. You can also keep your home at a comfortable temperature by using curtains or blinds.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances:

When replacing old appliances, opt for energy-efficient models with an Energy Star rating. These save you energy and money in the long run. They help save water and electricity while providing the same level of performance as conventional models.

Additionally, use the right size pot or pan when cooking. Bigger pots and pans will require you to use more energy than necessary.

Keep Your Oven Door Closed:

Opening the oven door to check on the food might seem harmless, but it can cause a temperature drop, causing the oven to consume more energy to regain its desired temperature. Use the oven door window to check on the food, and keep the door closed until you’re ready to take out the meal. You can also use a thermometer for more accurate readings.    

Conclusion:

Saving energy is not always about significant renovations or switching to expensive appliances. With these tips shared by Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI, you can implement simple changes and adjustments in your daily habits and practices to add up and save you money in the long run. So, start using smart power strips, cleaning fridge coils, or insulating your home, and break those habits that drain your energy bill. Don’t forget to bring your family on board and help them embrace the energy-saving lifestyle.

Photo by Appolinary Kalashnikova on Unsplash