Thursday, June 21, 2012

Cutting energy costs for major appliances

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The biggest energy drain in the your home after your cooling system is your major appliances, which means by doing your household chores, you are driving up your energy bill.

So how can you save some money? Well, no one expects you to vacuum at midnight, but by pushing certain tasks into the evening hours, you can save yourself a few dollars here and there.

Major appliances use major amounts of electricity. Experts recommend when it comes to washing and drying your clothes, use cold water to save $152 a year.

Also remember to clean out your lint tray every single time, and don't over dry your clothes.

"They just create heat," Con Edison spokesman Michael Clendenin said. "So we really recommend that you try to run those things at night. It's a little bit cooler, it won't heat up your house as much and you'll be a lot more comfortable. It's just a lot smarter."

Go ahead and use your dishwasher, experts say, because it uses less water that washing dishes by hand. Just remember to use cold water.

If you have a flexible schedule with your household chores, try to run the dishwasher and washer dryer after 7 p.m. or later to cut down on costs.

Unplug electronics and certain appliances when not in use. Your computer and TV all use electricity even when they are not in use.

And here's an easy one - turn off the lights when you leave a room. Not only will you save money, but on really hot days, reduced usage can help lower the stress on the power grid, which could prevent a brown out or black out in your neighborhood.

To find out more about Con Ed's Green Team program, visit ConEd.com/ThePowerOfGreen

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consumer news, lisa colagrossi

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