ENERGY STAR® Certified Kitchen Appliances
If you’d like to lower your energy bill, the kitchen is a good place to start. Small changes can make a big difference. Check out the tips below to make your kitchen more energy and cost-efficient.
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Refrigerators & Freezers
Since refrigerators consume energy 24 hours a day, it’s important to choose the most energy-efficient model within your budget. Use the power-save switch if your fridge has one, and be sure to buy an Energy Star® model.
Use & Care
- Keep fridge temp at 35˚F - 38˚F, and freezer at 0˚F - 5˚F
- Clean condenser coils once a year to improve efficiency
- If the door seal can’t hold a dollar bill in place, consider replacing it
Buyers Guide
- The Energy Star® logo signifies superior efficiency
- Models with top or bottom freezers use 10 – 25% less energy
- Models with manual defrost use up to 50% less energy
- Models with advanced ice makers may use up to 20% more energy
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Dishwashers
With California’s historical drought, conserving water is more crucial than ever before. The right energy-efficient dishwasher may produce even more annual savings than hand-washing. and choosing shorter cycles.
Use & Care
- Turn your water heater thermostat down to 120˚F
- Air dry to save 15-50% on operational costs
- Only operate your dishwasher when full and skip the pre-rinse
Buyers Guide
- The Energy Star® Logo signifies superior efficiency
- Find a model with cycle options that uses 5 gallons of water/load
- The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy recommends an EF (Energy Factor) of at least 0.65
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Stoves & Ovens
Cooking appliances are not subject to federal energy efficiency regulations, but you can still save on cost and energy by adjusting your cooking habits and choosing efficient cookware. Use a microwave for reheating small items.
Use & Care
- Cooking with a full oven decreases energy use by 20%
- Don’t preheat or “peek” inside the oven more than necessary
- Check the seal on the oven door
Buyers Guide
- The most efficient stoves ranked by performance are magnetic induction, halogen, radiant, and exposed coil.
- Look for models with electric ignitions instead of standard pilots
- Self-cleaning ovens’ insulation levels result in higher efficiency
The Spin on Savings
A few simple changes to the way you clean and dry your clothes can have a significant impact on energy savings.
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Clothes Washer
Select the appropriate water level for the load size and the highest spin speed available to remove moisture and reduce the time and energy needed to dry clothing. A cold wash cycle may save up to 10 times as much energy.*
Use & Care
- Washing full loads can save over 3,400 gallons of water annually
- Cold water is gentler on clothes and preserves energy
- Lowering your water thermostat to 120˚ F may save up to 20% on costs
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes to reduce heat loss
Buyers Guide
- The Energy Star® logo signifies the model is more environmentally friendly and efficient than standard models
- Front-loading washers use 30-60% less water and 50-70% less energy than top-loading washers
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
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Clothes Dryer
Clothes dryers are one of the largest energy users in our homes accounting for almost 2 percent of our nation’s electricity consumption. Drying one large load of laundry is more economical than two small loads, so think big!
Use & Care
- Air drying clothes outdoors is the ultimate energy saver
- Dry multiple loads in a row while the dryer is still warm from the previous load
- Keep lint filters clean to ensure proper airflow, and be sure outside dryer vents fit snugly
Buyers Guide
- Automatic shut-off controls are key to energy-efficiency in a dryer
- Models with advanced moisture and temperature sensors save energy
- Heat pump systems use less energy than conventional dryers by recycling heat
*ACEEE. (2010). Consumer Resources: Laundry. Retrieved October 2, 2012, from http://aceee.org/consumer/laundry
Source – Savings estimates based on Energy Star® - Certified model replacing a standard top-freezer model 9top freezer style, 19-21. 4 cubic feet in volume). Assumes Southern California average residential electricity rate of $0.17/kWh.
1 Savings estimates based on ENERGY STAR®-certified model replacing a standard top-freezer model (top-freezer style, 19—21.4 cubic feet in volume). Assumes Southern California average residential electricity rate of $0.17/kWh.