Using your appliances more efficiently can help save water and energy – and also save you money! When it comes to buying new appliances, MOLLY MAID, Canada's leading residential cleaning company, recommends that you choose the most efficient models to make a big difference.
Spare the Dryer
Drying your clothes more efficiently will help save energy and money:
- When possible, dry your clothes outside or on a clothes line.
- If you use the dryer, fill it each time, rather than putting on a number of small loads.
Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Here are some useful tips:
- Washing clothes at 30 degrees saves energy – today's detergents wash just as well at low temperatures.
- Run washing machines and dishwashers less often, but with full loads – a half load setting uses more than half the energy and uses the water of a full load.
- Cleaning filters regularly keeps appliances running efficiently.
- When choosing a washing machine, look for a machine that uses less than 50 litres per wash.
- For dishwashers, look for one that uses less than 15 litres per wash.
Fridges and Freezers
- Use fridges and freezers more efficiently by defrosting appliances regularly.
- An energy efficient fridge/freezer uses nearly a third of the energy of a 10-year-old model. Fridges and freezers work harder than any other kitchen appliance – they're on 24 hours a day.
- Choosing the right appliance can help you both save money and lessen your impact on the environment.
Energy Efficient Cooking
You can also use the appliances you have in an efficient way when you are cooking. Things to consider:
- Putting a lid on a pot will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to boil.
- Only boil as much water as you need – electric kettles use nearly a third of all the electricity an average household uses for cooking.
- Use a microwave rather than a conventional oven – there is emerging research that indicates this may save you energy.
Save Energy – or Switch it off
Energy is used by electronic items left on standby and by mobile phone chargers left plugged in, but not connected to an appliance.
You can save energy by:
- Unplugging your chargers.
- Turning off TV equipment, not by using the remote control.
- Turning your monitor off and activating power management (energy saving) on your computer.
Think Before you Print
Only print when you really need to as this saves energy, paper and ink. Other things you can do include:
- Print double-sided to save paper.
- Recycle your waste paper, and use recycled paper.
- To save ink select 'draft' or 'economy' settings when you print.
- Refill or recycle empty printer cartridges.
Use Fewer Batteries
Every year, 25 – 30,000 tonnes of portable batteries are thrown away. It's important to recycle batteries as they can contain valuable metals. Some also contain harmful chemicals like lead and mercury which can leak into the ground. To reduce your battery use you could try:
- Using rechargeable batteries when you can.
- Recycling all unwanted batteries whenever possible.
- Using wind-up/ solar gadgets that don't require batteries.
