Kitchen, Laundry, and Lighting

Refrigerator

Refrigerators and freezers can be an area of significant energy loss. Make sure they are as full as possible and that the seals are in good condition. This will cut down on energy escaping when you open the door.
Avoid putting refrigerators or freezers in unconditioned spaces like garages if possible.
For best operation, keep your refrigerator’s temperature between 37° and 40°.
Keep food away from the interior walls so cold air can circulate faster.
Keep your refrigerator condenser coils clean. Clean them every six months.

Turn off the drying cycle if you do not need to dry dishes immediately.
Wait until your dishwasher is full before using it. Automatic dishwashers require the same amount of hot water and electricity to wash a partial load as a full load.

Wash clothes in warm or cold water and rinse them in cold water. Use hot water only when necessary.
Wash a full load at a time but do not overload. A small load in a washing machine consumes just as much energy as a full load.
When using a dryer, wait until you have a full load. Also, separate drying loads into heavy and lightweight items. The lightweight items take less time to dry, so the dryer doesn’t have to be on for as long with these loads.
Dry clothes in consecutive loads as the dryer will retain heat from the previous load.
Clean the lint filter thoroughly after each load. A clogged filter restricts the flow of air and reduces the performance of the dryer. Also check the vent periodically to make certain there are no clogs.
Don’t overdry clothes. Taking clothes out when they are slightly damp reduces the need for ironing. Overdrying also causes shrinkage, shortens the life of the fabric, generates static electricity and uses more electricity.

Use smaller lamps over work areas such as desktops so work can be done without lighting the whole room.
Turn off lights when you do not need them and use motion sensors where practical.
Use ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lighting when possible. These bulbs and fixtures use 3/4 less electricity to produce the same amount of light as incandescent lighting and the bulbs last up to 10 times longer. And, compact fluorescent lights put off less heat, helping you to decrease summer cooling costs.