Major appliances account for approximately 40% of our household monthly utility bills. Appliances that are older than 10 years may account for an even larger percentage than that. Energy Star appliances are the most energy efficient appliances available on the market today and can help to bring those monthly costs down substantially. But what if new appliances are not in your budget?

Today’s economy does not lend itself well to major new purchases. Most household finances are already stretched to their limit. Even if you can’t afford a new appliance right now, you can use these energy saving tips to save money on each appliance in your home. This should help keep a few dollars in your pocket and ease up on your strained cash flow.

Refrigerator:

· Leave at least one inch between the wall and the back of the refrigerator. This will help air to circulate, control the temperature and avoid over-heating.

· Radiators, heat ducts, vents, stoves, and even sunlight can cause your refrigerator to use more power than necessary so try not to place your refrigerator adjacent to any of these heat sources.

· Check the temperature of your fridge and freezer regularly. The temperature of the fridge should be between 35 and 38 degrees and your freezer at 0 degrees for optimal performance.

Dishwasher:

· Wash full loads of dishes.

· Do not use the pre-rinse, heat-dry or rinse-hold features, they use extra energy.

Clothes Washer:

· Wash full loads

· Only do warm or hot water washes when necessary.

Dehumidifier:

· Close all windows and doors when your dehumidifier is on.

· Change your filters regularly. A build up of dirt causes the unit to use more energy.

· Keep your dehumidifier away from walls, furniture or dusty areas.

Household Air Conditioner:

· Close all windows and doors when your air conditioner is on.

· Set the timer for temperature control.

· Pick the right unit for the size of your room.

Investing in Energy Star appliances is a great long-term solution to lower your utility bills but if you can’t afford to buy new appliances right now, you can still do your best to reduce your current expenses.

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