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Lower Your Utility Bills by Using Your Appliances Wisely
Michigan winters are brutal. Driving through the snow and battling flu season is hard enough, let alone staying warm and paying huge utility bills. While most people look to their HVAC systems to lower their utility bills, few take into account the expenses associated with our appliances.
Washers, dryers, and dishwashers and other appliances all use a significant amount of electricity and water, making them a prime target for lowering your utility bills. It’s not just about using energy-efficient appliances, either: with certain tips and tricks, you can actually use a lot less energy and water over the course of a month. In the end, that translates into more money in your pocket.
Here are our top tips:
- Use the cold water setting on your washer. Did you know that 90% of your washing machine’s energy consumption is used to heat the water? It’s common sense that cold water settings reduce energy costs, but this number illuminates on how dramatic your energy savings can be. With this in mind, use cold water settings whenever possible.
- Manage your laundry loads. Most people try to squeeze as many clothes in as possible. That’s fine for the washer, but your dryer will need at least one-quarter of the drum to be empty. Otherwise, hot air won’t be able to dry out your clothes. If your clothes don’t dry, you’ll be running the machine twice for one load, which is very inefficient.
- Air dry your clothes if you can. If you have the space and time for it, you can’t beat air drying! It may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating. Most of us are so accustomed to using a dryer for every load that we never even think about this one.
- Ask your energy company if they offer discounts during a certain time of day. Several of DTE’s energy plans offer different prices depending on the time of day. If you’re on one of those, plan your laundry and dishwashing around those time frames!
- Try to avoid using the heated dry method on your dishwasher. Unlike washing your clothes, you need hot water to do your dishes. Most dishwashers use a heated dry method, as it means your dishes dry without water spots. However, you can use a rinsing agent for the same effect!
- Use a quality detergent. In our experience, Quantum Finish is one of the most effective dish detergents for the price. With a solid detergent, you can reduce the amount of pre-washing you have to do, which ultimately saves you water.
Over the course of a year, our appliances use a lot of energy and water. By following these simple tips, you can slash your energy bill year round. Have any questions or tips of your own? Call us to find out more! Our professionals are on-hand to help with any appliance-related questions you may have.
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