Upgrade your washing machine to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® model
ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washers can use about 20% less energy and 50% less water than regular washing machines. Utility companies and some retailers offer rebates for appliance upgrades, and the State of Maryland offer sales tax free shopping for selected ENERGY STAR® appliances each year over President’s Day weekend.
Upgrade your dishwasher to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® model
An ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher can save 1,300 gallons of water over its lifetime. Dishwashers made before 1994 can cost an extra $40 per year to operate compared to an efficient model. Utility companies and some retailers offer rebates for appliance upgrades, and the State of Maryland offer sales tax free shopping for selected ENERGY STAR® appliances each year over President’s Day weekend.
Wash clothes in cold water at least 75% of the time
When you wash your clothes in hot water, only 10% of the required energy goes to running the machine; 90% goes to heating the water. In most cases, cold water cleans clothing just as well as warm water. Cold water washing results in the biggest energy savings, but even switching temperature settings from hot to warm can cut the energy used to heat a machine load of water in half. Learn more about the benefits of washing in cold water and other energy-saving laundry tips.
Upgrade your clothes dryer to a high efficiency Energy Star® Model
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certified Energy Star® dryers use 20% less energy than conventional models. For example, a standard 4.4 cubic foot or larger electric dryer will save the average household about 160 kWh per year. This is achieved by using innovative energy saving technologies such as moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and automatically shut the dryer off. Many Energy Star® dryers also include steam cycles that prevent wrinkles and can help save energy and time by limiting the need to iron.
More than 80% of American household have a clothes dryer, so the savings could be huge. If all dryers sold in the US were Energy Star® certified, American could save $1.5 billion each year in utility costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 2 million vehicles.
To get the most efficiency from your Energy Star® certified dryer, consider the following:
Use Sensor Drying, not timed drying.
Use the Low Heat Setting. Longer drying cycles on a low heat setting use less energy.
Consider a Gas Dryer. 80% of dryers in the US are electric. If you have access to gas, consider purchasing an Energy Star gas dryer to reduce your costs and environmental impact.
Rebates are available for Energy Star® dryer purchases through utilites such as Potomac Edison. Visit http://energysavemd-home.com/appliance/ for more information and to apply on-line. The State of Maryland also offers sales tax free shopping for selected ENERGY STAR® appliances each year over President’s Day weekend.
Set your water heater's maximum temperature to 120°F
You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10°F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3–5% in energy costs. The recommended temperature for optimal savings is 120°F. Reducing your water temperature also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes; this helps your water heater last longer and operate at maximum efficiency.
Safety Concerns: Water heaters set at 140°F pose risks of scalding and burns, especially for children. Lowering the temperature can, however, create more risk for Legionnaires Disease. Search online for details if this is a concern.
Install an insulating wrap on your hot water heater
You can save 4–9% in water heating costs by wrapping your hot water heater with an inexpensive insulating wrap. Take this step if your hot water heater is old, warm to the touch, has an R-value on the label less than 24, or is located in an unconditioned space (unfinished attic, unheated basement, garage, etc.). Check out these instructions for insulating your hot water heater, or watch this instructional video.
NOTE: the installation steps are slightly different for an electric or gas water heater.
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