How Can I Save Money Without Buying New Appliances?

We all enjoy using our electrical appliances across the month:  stove, air conditionings, refrigerators, television, dryers, etc. The problem arrives at the door with the utility bill.  When we use multiple electrical appliances for long periods of time, it all adds up like racking up a credit card debt.

The easiest way to allay this problem is to not waste electricity first and then consider getting a new appliance second.

Cooking

For instance, typically a burner on an electrical range uses about 1500W of power.  It’s a lot of energy if you keep it on for a long periods of time.  Minutes add up quickly whether you have an electrical range or a gas stove.  One should be more judicious about heating water in particular.  Did you know that the best way to save money heating liquid is to just heat as much as you need–but no more?  Most of us will fill up a kettle or pot with water we don’t need.  Instead of boiling an entire kettle for a cup of tea, use the cup to pour the right amount of water in the kettle or pot.

Microwaves are another big heating load in any house, so let’s compare it with a stove.  A typical microwave uses 1200W of power, but don’t worry so much, as these devices are typically used for a short periods of time (minutes).  Again, it’s a lot about how long we use an appliance when heating or cooling.  You don’t have to go buy a new appliance to save lots of energy and money.

In some locations, over 70% of the household’s energy use goes into space and water heating, which is why considering reductions in this area is crucial when looking for energy and financial savings. Being judicious about duration of use is an important and quick first step that can pay off quite well.

After that, it’s time to consider replacing or fixing the appliances themselves.

Refrigeration

Here are some ways to save significant energy and money with your refrigerator without replacing it.

• Establish your fridge temperature between 35° and 38°F. While keeping your freezer at 0°F.
• Check the fridge temperature by placing a thermometer in a glass of water to make sure your refrigerator is working properly
• Make sure that your refrigerator door seals are airtight. To test it, place a piece of paper on the edge of the door and close it, if you can remove the paper easily then the latch may need adjustment
• Cover liquids and wrap foods in the refrigerator.
• Don’t allow that frost builds up more than one-quarter of an inch in your freezer.

Laundry

Must you spend $1000 on a new washer and dryer?

• Hang dry your clothes
• Wash your cloths in cold water using cold-water detergents
• Wash and dry full loads.
• Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked.
• Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load
• Use high-efficiency detergents, they are quick-dispersing to clean well in high efficiency washers that use less water

Dishwashing

A dishwasher can waste a lot of money if one doesn’t use it more judiciously.

• Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for recommendations on water temperature
• Soaking or pre-washing is recommended when burned or dried on food
• Make sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded
• Let your dishes air dry

General Saving Tips

Here are a few more good ones I’ve tried for other appliances around the house:

• Seal holes around outlets with inexpensive outlet gaskets
• Enable power management on your computers and monitors, they use less energy without sacrificing quality or performance
• Unplug battery chargers when equipment is fully charged.
• Use multi-function devices for printers, fax, copies and scanner
• Make sure that air vents are well-sealed where they meet floors, walls and ceiling as these are common locations to find leaks.
• Use LED TV and select LED lights if possible as they are very efficient and have a long lifetime, they are available at achievable prices on the market nowadays
• Remember to turn off or even unplug electrical devices that you are not using