Using a Smart Strip can cut the cost of vampire power in a home entertainment system in half. Even when your TV, DVD player, video game systems, and other electronics are turned off, they are still using electricity as long as they are plugged in. A Smart Strip makes it easy to cut off power to multiple devices when they aren't in use. Plug your TV or computer monitor into the "master" outlet on the Smart Strip, and plug any devices that you want to remain always on, such as a DVR or lamp, into the "constant-on" outlet. Other devices will only come on when the TV or computer monitor does, while devices plugged into the “constant-on” outlet remain on all the time.
Eliminating the use of a large appliance can be one way to reduce the overall energy consumption of household appliances. When appliances reach the end of their useful life, consider if a replacement is really necessary. Also remember to recycle or properly dispose of old appliances when you purchase a replacement. Continuing to run an inefficient appliance, such as an extra refrigerator in the garage, can be costly. Not only will the old unit be less efficient than its replacement, but it may even use more energy by being operated in an unconditioned space.
Upgrade your refrigerator to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® model
ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators are required to be 15% more efficient than standard models. Utility companies and some retailers offer rebates for appliance upgrades, and the State of Maryland offers sales tax free shopping for selected ENERGY STAR® appliances each year over President’s Day weekend.
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.
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.
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