Older appliances like refrigerators, freezers or AC units are often less efficient than newer models. Buying a newer model can be more economical than using an older one over a long period of time, however if you want to move or if your cash situation is low, it might not make sense to replace your gear.
Here are some ways to make your older appliances more efficient.
1. Clean the coils on your refrigerator regularly. This makes the cooling mechanism run more efficiently.
2. When you open your refrigerator or freezer door, close it again as quickly as possible.
3. Consider turning the temperature of your refrigerator up by a degree or two. In order for your fridge to provide the greatest efficiency for your family, set the temperature to between 36-38°F and the freezer to between 0-5°F. If your appliance does not provide exact degree readings, setting to the midpoint on the temperature dial usually works. It takes 24 hours for the temperature change to take effect.
4. With electric cooktops.
- Match the diameter of the element to the pot or pan. Using a 6 inch pan on an 8 inch element will waste about 40% of the energy
- Make sure your pots and pans have flat bottoms to maximize heat transfer
- Defrost your food in the microwave unless cooking instructions say otherwise.
5. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket. Feel free to turn down the water heater a couple of degrees.
6. Have your AC unit inspected and serviced. This should make it marginally more efficient. If you have a window unit air conditioner, run a fan in the room at the same time. Moving the cool air around will make your living space feel cooler. Duct leakage can reduce the efficiency of older units by 20 to 40%. Replace your dirty filters.
7. Keep your dryer lint free. A full lint trap can make it harder for wet air to escape your dryer, which slows the drying cycle.
Here are some ways to make your older appliances more efficient.
1. Clean the coils on your refrigerator regularly. This makes the cooling mechanism run more efficiently.
2. When you open your refrigerator or freezer door, close it again as quickly as possible.
3. Consider turning the temperature of your refrigerator up by a degree or two. In order for your fridge to provide the greatest efficiency for your family, set the temperature to between 36-38°F and the freezer to between 0-5°F. If your appliance does not provide exact degree readings, setting to the midpoint on the temperature dial usually works. It takes 24 hours for the temperature change to take effect.
4. With electric cooktops.
- Match the diameter of the element to the pot or pan. Using a 6 inch pan on an 8 inch element will waste about 40% of the energy
- Make sure your pots and pans have flat bottoms to maximize heat transfer
- Defrost your food in the microwave unless cooking instructions say otherwise.
5. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket. Feel free to turn down the water heater a couple of degrees.
6. Have your AC unit inspected and serviced. This should make it marginally more efficient. If you have a window unit air conditioner, run a fan in the room at the same time. Moving the cool air around will make your living space feel cooler. Duct leakage can reduce the efficiency of older units by 20 to 40%. Replace your dirty filters.
7. Keep your dryer lint free. A full lint trap can make it harder for wet air to escape your dryer, which slows the drying cycle.
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