Reducing energy usage is a good way to help the environment and save money along the way. Saving energy can be done in a variety of ways, many of which do not require significant effort can lead to significant savings.
• Stop using the dishwasher to dry the dishes. A dishwasher is a modern convenience few people feel they can live without. While you don’t need to give up the dishwasher entirely to save money, it’s important to note that many dishwashers use more energy to dry the dishes than to wash them. If your dishwasher does not automatically dry the dishes, turn the knob to the off position once the dishes have been cleaned and open the door to allow the dishes to air dry.
• Go with a more traditional refrigerator-freezer combination. Side-by-side refrigerator and freezer may be combinations may be more fashionable, but such units can use as much as 20 percent more energy than their traditional counterparts.
• Don’t go to extreme temperatures. Arriving home to a house that’s especially cold or warm inspires many people to turn their thermostats way up or down in an effort to heat or a cool the home more quickly. This forces the unit to work harder and use more energy. Instead of taking such an extreme approach, invest in a heating or cooling system that allows you to set the temperature in advance so the temperature inside your home is pleasant when you walk through the door.