Reduce or eliminate the use of the heat option for the dishwasher by allowing the dishes to air dry. The heating elements in the dishwasher use a lot of energy that is not really necessary. After the rinse cycle, keep the door closed until the dishwasher timer would normally be finished with the heat cycle (ensure the heat option is off) to utilize the heat already in the machine to assist with drying the dishes, then prop the door open for the dishes to air dry. The process takes longer to dry, but saves a lot of energy and money.

     The best time to use a self-cleaning oven is after cooking something because the oven is already hot. Less energy is required to heat the oven from its current temperature to the cleaning temperature than from no heat to the cleaning temperature.

     Replace your existing light bulbs when they break with low watt/energy use bulbs. The cost is higher than standard bulbs, but they last much longer and use a lot less energy. They also produce less heat which has an effect upon the energy required to cool a room.

     Remember the less energy used leads to a lower electric bill and saves the precious resources used to create the electricity we depend upon.


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