- Refrigerator
- Clean your refrigerator coils to improve the efficiency of your fridge. Dirt and dust build-up can increase energy usage and prompt appliance failure.
- Allow air circulation behind the fridge by leaving a few inches between the wall and refrigerator.
- Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight by performing the dollar bill test. Place a dollar bill so that it is half in and half out of the refrigerator and close the doors – if you can move the dollar bill about easily you may need to adjust the latch, replace the seal, or consider buying a new unit.
- If your refrigerator needs to be replaced, consider an ENERGY STAR® certified model that helps you save more than $220 over the 12-year lifetime of the product. The NHSaves utility partners offer up to $50 on new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators.
- Recycle your inefficient refrigerator or freezer responsibly through the NHSaves utility partners’ Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling program and receive a $75 incentive.
- Oven and Cook Top
- Cover pots when boiling to prevent the release of heat. This can speed up cooking time and minimize the amount of energy used.
- Open the oven only when necessary. When opened, the temperature inside is reduced by up to 25% and cook time is increased – using more energy.
- Clothes Washer
- When possible, wash clothes in cold water. Over 90% of a washing machine’s energy is used to heat the water.
- Always use high efficiency detergent in front load washing machines. Regular detergent will create too many suds which can impact the machines washing and rinsing performance and lead to potential odors and mechanical problems
- Leave the door open for one to two hours after use to allow for the water to evaporate and reduce the risk of mold developing from trapped moisture. (Make sure children or pets do not crawl into machine when it is open).
- Should you need to replace your unit, consider an ENERGY STAR certified model that uses new water-limiting technology to clean your clothes thoroughly and without waste – saving you money on related energy and water costs. See Rebate
- Clothes Dryer
- Regularly clean the lint screen and dryer duct of your unit to improve its efficiency and cut down on drying time.
- Scrub the lint filter with a toothbrush once a month if you use dryer sheets as they can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow. Over time, this can make the motor work harder. Consult your owner’s manual before maintenance.
- When possible, use a drying rack or hang clothes outside.
- Considering replacing your clothes dryer? ENERGY STAR certified models use about 20% less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features or performance. See Rebate
- Water Heater
- Drain sediments from the water heater tank. Sediment build-up shortens the life of your water heater and reduces its efficiency. Consult your owner’s manual for more information.
- If your other household appliances allow, lower your water heaters temperature dial to 120 degrees (some dishwasher cycles require higher temperatures). Every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can expect to save up to 5% in energy costs.
- Replace your electric water heater with a heat pump water heater that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating its own – making it two to three times more efficient. See Rebate
- Energy
- Go outside! Give the appliances in your kitchen a break and fire up the grill.
