How to Increase the Efficiency of Your Home Refrigerator

Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013 

Even if you aren’t able to replace your existing refrigerator with a new model, there are some things you can do that can help your refrigerator run more efficiently.

 

Even if you aren’t able to replace your existing refrigerator with a new model, there are some things you can do that can help your refrigerator run more efficiently. Below are some energy saving ideas:

  • Check the temperature

For energy savings and food safety, experts state …

Energy Efficient Home Freestanding Stoves/Ranges

Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013

Energy efficient, multifunctional, and stylish freestanding stoves/ranges

Since the kitchen is generally the hub of the home, consumers want it to offer an uplifting feeling of optimism. Energy efficient lighting, cabinetry, colors, and appliances combine to create the perception of comfort, security, and that overall good feeling offered in the kitchen environment. Smart consumers also want eco-friendly, energy efficient appliances, not only saving for themselves, but also for future generations.

Today’s manufacturers, responding to consumer …

Basic Information to Consider for Home Water Heating

Reviewed and Revised on 01/03/2014

Energy Usage in Home Water Heating 

Closed-combustion water heater with power vent fan

Water heating is often the third largest energy expense in your home, after heating and cooling. It accounts for 15-25% of your utility bill. It’s not hard to see why —  family of four, each taking a 5-minute shower every day using inefficient shower heads, can use 700 gallons of water in one week. This is enough for a three year supply …

Everyday Household Laundry Tips for Saving Money and Home Energy

 Reviewed and Revised on 11/06/2013

 

 

The following tips can help you save energy and money each time you do laundry, irrespective of whether you have one the newer energy efficient machine or an older one.

  • Do your laundry correctly the first time, so that you don’t have to re-wash it.
  • Position your washing machine as close as possible to the hot water heater to avoid heat loss from long pipe runs. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes coming into

Exhaust Vents for Energy Efficient New Homes

Reviewed and Revised on 11/06/2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo of a vent hood over a kitchen range 

 

 

Photo of bathroom exhaust vent

The purpose of an exhaust vent is

  • remove  moisture, odors, smoke, fumes, heat or steam, and airborne grease from the indoor environments of a home
  • protect the building interiors of the home
  • improve the indoor air quality for the home occupants

Remember, when air is exhausted out of a building, replacement air needs to come in. If this can’t happen, because

No to Low Cost Actions to Save Home Energy and Money

Reviewed and Revised 01/03/2014

Simple tips designed to help you save energy in your home with little or no out-of-pocket costs.

Heating

  • Lower the thermostat when you sleep or not at home. Lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hrs can help you save  5-15% annually on your heating bill.  Energy.gov website states that if the setback period is 8 hrs or longer than

Phantom/Standby Energy Use by Home Electronics and Appliances

Reviewed and Revised on 11/04/2013

Power Buttong

Consumer electronics and appliances amount to about 15% of a home’s utility usage. Did you know these modern conveniences can cost you a lot of money even when they are turned off, but still plugged in?

 

Today an average American home is brimming with consumer electronics and appliances- televisions, DVD players, stereos, kitchen gadgets, etc. Most of the times these appliances stay plugged in, and are just turned off (but not unplugged) when not in …