Typically, appliances are one of the largest energy users in a home.  For detailed information on energy efficient appliances, see the Energy Star web site or the DOE Appliance Guidelines.

 

Refrigerators

• To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours (from 12 noon to 6 p.m. during the summer months).
• Clean your refrigerator coils and check the gasket seals.  An improperly maintained refrigerator consumes much more energy than is necessary. 
• Keep your refrigerator full.  The mass of the contents helps regulate the temperature.
• Unplug or recycle extra refrigerators. Many of these older and secondary units use as much as 50% more energy than newer models.
• Replace (and recycle) old appliances when over 15 years old.  When you buy a new refrigerator, buy an Energy Star model. They use half the energy of a 10-year old unit and save as much as $140 per year.  Always look for the "Energy Guide" to find the product that is most efficient and has the lowest cost to operate.  SCE will pay you $50 to replace your old refrigerator or freezer!  For more information and to schedule a pick-up click here  or call 800-234-9722.

 

Washers, Dryers and Dishwashers

• Keep the dryer lint trap and the exhaust vent clean. 
• Run the washing machine only when full.  Use cold water when possible. 
• Run the dishwasher only when full and use the air-dry mode when possible.
• When you buy a new appliance, buy an EnergyStar model and check with your local water supplier for possible rebates.
• For dryers, purchase a natural gas unit, not electric. 

 

Hot Water Heaters

• Hot water heaters can be the first or second largest consumer of natural gas in a home (about 44%).
• Set the hot water heater temperature for 120 degrees Fahrenheit and to the "Vacation" setting when not home for extended periods.
• Shower, rather than taking a bath.  A five-minute shower can use 10 gallons less hot water than a bath.
• Repair leaky faucets.
• Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket.
• Insulate your hot water pipes.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.  Low flow shower heads can save a family of four 15,000 gallons of water per year, or over $100 for gas water heating, almost $200 with electric water heating.
• Consider installing a water recirculation system or an instantaneous hot water heater at any faucet that is far from your hot water heater.
• When you replace your hot water heater, buy an EnergyStar model.  Consider replacing your hot water heater with a solar hot water heating system or a "tankless" system which can save you as much as $100 per year in energy costs.
• For more helpful information on water heating click here.

 

Cooking

• Cook with a microwave whenever possible.  Not only does it use less energy than an electric oven, it keeps the kitchen cooler on hot summer days.