Decrease Your Energy Usage – 5 Easy Strategies for Making Appliances Eco-Friendly

As responsible homeowners and renters, achieving an energy-efficient home or apartment should be a priority. Appliances are one of the main sources of energy consumption in a home, so it’s important to ensure that they are optimized for maximum efficiency. Thankfully, there are many simple, cost-effective ways for you to accomplish this goal, from cleaning regularly to pre-scraping dishes. Here are five tips for making more energy-efficient appliances.

1. Clean It Up – Refrigerators play an important role in keeping food safe, but a dirty one can make them less efficient. Make sure that the back and underside are free of dust, and clean the inside compartments from time to time to cut down on odors and excess build-up. Additionally, keep the refrigerator’s temperature at a moderate level (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce power consumption.

2. Come Prepared – Opening the refrigerator door every time you decide what to make can waste a lot of electricity. Try to plan ahead and know what you need to get before you go to the fridge. This will help you save energy and keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible.

3. Microwave Smarter – Microwaves are incredibly convenient, but they can also use a lot of wasted energy. Clean it regularly to get rid of food residue, and use the timer set to save a little electricity. When defrosting, try not to use the microwave unless you absolutely have to; let the food thaw out naturally instead.

4. Opt for the Microwave – If you have the option between using your oven or the microwave, use the microwave. It will likely use a fraction of the energy, so when you are cooking small meals or reheating leftovers, turn to the microwave instead of the oven.

5. Maintain Your Dishwasher – Dishwashers use large amounts of electricity and water, but you can make them more efficient by purchasing a newer model with smart technology or cleaning hacks like pre-scraping dishes and using the air-dry setting. During part of the year, like summer, don’t be afraid to skip using the dishwasher and let the sun dry the dishes instead.

Energy-efficient homes may seem like an impossible goal, but they don’t have to be. With some simple cleaning, maintenance and smarter appliance usage, you can reduce your electricity consumption and carbon footprint without having to replace every item in your home. Use the tips above to get optimal efficiency out of your refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, and help make your home more energy-efficient today.