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Appliances
10 ways to Green Your Appliances
Indispensable for perpetually plugged-in modern life, appliances—air conditioners, refrigerators, washers and dryers, gobble up energy and are made from large doses of earth-unfriendly materials. Fortunately, there are ways of choosing efficient devices and diminishing the toxic burden.
Choose ENERGY STAR products
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ENERGY STAR options must meet energy-saving standards and are a straightforward, reliable way to reduce your energy requirements.
Maintain your air conditioner
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An annual tune-up and cleaning of all parts of your AC system will increase operating efficiency.
Choose a tankless water heater
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These innovative appliances, which qualify for a tax credit, use a heat exchanger to rapidly heat your water on the spot, reducing the need for a large tank.
Air-dry your wet laundry
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ENERGY STAR doesn't rate dryers since they all use comparably high amounts of energy. By not using a dryer—or using it less often—you not only lengthen the life of your clothes since it's gentler, but you also save money and lower your carbon emissions every year.
Choose a dryer with a moisture sensor
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Unlike a timed cycle, the sensor will automatically shut off the dryer when your clothes are dry. This will help you use the least amount of energy needed when drying your clothes.
Set your refrigerator temperature to 37-40 degrees
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Don't keep your fridge too frigid! To prevent wasting energy and your food from spoiling, it is important to set your refrigerator’s temperature properly.
Wash clothes in cold water
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Ninety percent of the energy that goes into the washing part of laundering clothes is spent on heating the water.
Buy a front-loading washing machine
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Horizontal axis washers or front-loaders use nearly 40 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than top-loaders.
Buy a water heater insulation blanket
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Providing your water heater with a blanket can reduce between 4 and 9 percent of your water heater's energy consumption.
Recycle used appliances
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Spent appliances often contain toxic leftovers like ozone-damaging refrigerants that are best not found in landfills.
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