Printer-friendly version

Your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is easily the worst offender, says the government's Energy Star Program. That is no surprise - Most households use climate control a full 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout both the summer and winter. In fact, heating and cooling represent 50% of the average household's annual energy bill, a total of $1,175.

Purchase a programmable thermostat so your HVAC system does not have to work as hard while you are at work or asleep. By Energy Star estimates, you will save $180 annually by reducing the temperature by just two degrees in the winter, and adjusting the air-conditioner two degrees higher in the summer. Other ways to improve efficiency include sealing air leaks around vents, and outside pipes and maintenance.

Your water heater works constantly to provide hot water for showers, laundry and dishes, among other things. As a result, it represents 13% -- the second largest chunk of your annual energy bill, according to the Department of Energy. That's $305.50 for the average household.

Turn down the water heater's temperature dial from 140 degrees to 120 degrees. This temperature is an acceptable temperature for all the hot-water needs in your household. Lowering the temperature just 20 degrees will reduce your annual bill by 6% to 10%, or $18 to $30 overall. Another big tip: Wash your clothes in cold water only. That one thing can cut your bill by another $73 a year, while keeping your clothes just as clean as washing them in hot water.

Your refrigerator is running all the time and it frequently cycles up and draws maximum watts to keep the temperature consistent. It does that each time the refrigerator door is opened. Your refrigerator accounts for 5% of your total annual energy bill, or $117.50 for the average household, says the Department of Energy. You'll pay twice that if you are one of many consumers who still use an older, inefficient model for spare food storage in the garage or basement, says the Alliance to Save Energy.

Always keep it clean. A clean refrigerator cycles on less frequently if the coils beneath and behind the unit remain clean and dust free. Keeping the fridge at a moderate temperature (36 to 38 degrees) helps keep the cost down as well. Also regularly defrosting the freezer eliminates ice buildup on the interior coils. Get rid of that second fridge that has been around for more than a decade. One bigger fridge is much more efficient than two smaller ones to the tune of saving $150 or more in your annual energy bills.

Just how inefficient is your clothes dryer? Modern dryers cannot earn the Energy Star label. There is not enough information about what makes one dryer more or less efficient than another. One certainty though - they are all energy thugs. Clothes washers and dryers collectively account for 6% of your annual energy bill, with the bulk of that coming from the dryer. That's $141 for the average household.

Purchase the most energy-efficient clothes washer you can afford. An efficient washer wrings more water from your clothes, thereby cutting the drying time in half. If you can't afford a new appliance, be sure to use the dryer's moisture sensor settings. It will turn off as soon as the clothes dry. This cuts your drying time in half and you'll cut your bill in half at the same time.

Loading your dishwasher is more efficient than hand-scrubbing the residue of last night's feast, but it also comes with at a price. Dishwasher use represents 2% of your annual energy bill, or approximately $47, according to the Department of Energy.

Air dry your dishes as an alternative to using the drying feature on most modern dishwashers. Letting your dishwasher dry the dishes doubles the appliance's power consumption. That one simple move can reduce your bill by approximately $20.

© 2005-2007 LazrWeb