Refrigerator and freezer

• Many people have kept old fridges running either in the basement, a storage room, or at the cottage. Unplug a second fridge when you don't need to use it and you could really save on your electricity bill.
• If an old fridge is broken, it may not be worth repairing. Calculate the payback on a new one minus the repair bill for the less efficient unit.
• Locate your refrigerator and freezer away from heat sources such as direct sunlight, the range, or the dishwasher, or other appliances that generate heat.
• The best temperature for the refrigerator section is about 3°C (37°F). The freezer should be about -18°C (0°F). Place a quality thermometer inside and adjust the dial accordingly.
• An uncrowded fridge works more efficiently than a crowded one. However, freezers work best when they are two thirds full.
• Don't open the refrigerator door more often than necessary. The cool air escapes quickly.
• Provide space for air circulation around the outside of the unit.
• Vacuum condenser coils on refrigerators and freezers at least every six months. Unplug the units first for safety.
• Freezers should be located in a dry, heated, insulated area that maintains a steady temperature. Avoid porches or garages. Variable outside temperatures may cause compressor damage.
• Spread packages out for freezing and then pack them closely together. Only freeze the amount of fresh food a freezer can handle. About 5 kg per 100 litres of freezer space (3 lbs. per cu. ft.) in a 24-hour period is right.
   

Clothes washer

• Match the water levels to the size of the loads by using the controls on the machine. Make use of the temperature control. Most loads can be washed in cold or warm water. Reserve hot water for very dirty loads and use a cold rinse. Just rinsing your clothes in cold water can help you save.
• Remove and clean the washer's agitator once a month. Clean the filters of both water hose inlets on the back of the machine once a year.
• Be friendly to the environment. Look for phosphate-free laundry soap.

Clothes dryer

• Use the sensor cycles instead of timed dry and save energy while extending the life of your clothes. This will help you avoid over-drying. If you have manual timing controls experiment until you've determined how long it takes to do a typical load.
• Read the manual that comes with your dryer. Learn how to use the features to your best advantage.
• Avoid partial loads. On the other hand, don't overload. Try to organize your washing and drying so you are doing full loads.
• Never vent your dryer indoors. It can be very dangerous due to moisture, fibres, and chemicals in the dryer exhaust.
• Clean the filter every time between loads. A clogged filter can damage your dryer, lower its efficiency, and become a fire hazard.
• Don't forget the outdoor clothes line. If you have one, use it. It's the most energy-efficient dryer of all.

Dishwasher

• Wait for a full load - a dishwasher uses the same amount of energy to run empty as it does full.
• Use the short cycle or econo wash mode as much as possible. If there's an energy saving switch that turns off the heating element during the drying cycle, use it to save energy. Or simply open the dishwasher and let the dishes air dry.
• Simply scrape your dishes before loading them into your dishwasher instead of using hot water to rinse them.

Ranges/Ovens

• Unless you're baking, preheating the oven isn't necessary especially for roasts or casseroles.
• When appropriate, use the broiler. It saves energy and requires no pre-heating.
• When baking in glass or ceramic utensils, lower the heat by 14°C (25°F) because they transfer heat better than some metals.
• Cooking just a small quantity? Consider using a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. They are much more efficient.
• Self-cleaning ovens generally have upgraded insulation. This is convenient and also more energy efficient for regular cooking.
• A clean oven is more efficient and accurate.
• Use the right size pots and pans and element size for the job. The pots and pans should have clean flat bottoms, straight sides, and tight fitting lids. Cook with the lid on.