Date: January 25, 2001
ASK A SPECIALIST (A weekly question/answer column)

WITH THE INCREASE IN COST OF UTILITIES HOW CAN I CONSERVE ENERGY USE?
Answer by: Leona K. Hawks, Utah State University Extension Housing Specialist

(Second in a two-part series)

Here are more inexpensive, energy-efficient measures you can use around your home to reduce your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent and at the same time save energy and reduce air pollution.

Dishwashing

  • Run dishwasher only when full.
  • Turn off the dishwasher during the drying cycle and allow dishes to air dry.
  • Don’t run hot water continuously while washing or rinsing dishes by hand.

    Laundry

  • Wash only full loads of laundry.
  • Use water no hotter than necessary for adequate soil removal and sanitation.
  • Use cold water for rinsing clothes.
  • Use good laundry techniques to obtain satisfactory results in one washing process.
  • Avoid over-drying in the dryer.
  • Vent the dryer to the outside.
  • When using the dryer, use the automatic setting that determines when clothes are dry and shuts off the dryer.
  • Line dry garment and household items when practical.
  • Use the dryer efficiently. Avoid drying one or two items at one time. Dry consecutive loads.
  • Remove items when dryer stops to avoid unnecessary wrinkling which requires pressing.
  • Clean the lint filter after each load.
  • Minimize ironing by choosing garments with easy care requirements.

    Cooking and Baking

  • Never use the oven or cook top as a room heater.
  • Use oven to capacity. Cook more than one dish or one meal at a time.
  • Use a cooking utensil that fits the electric unit or gas burner.
  • Use tight-fitting lids on cooking utensils when appropriate.
  • Reduce heat to lowest setting possible to maintain necessary cooking temperature when using surface units or burner.
  • Use small appliances for cooking, baking and toasting. They are often more efficient than the range for small amounts.
  • Preheat oven only when necessary. Do not preheat longer than needed to attain required temperature.
  • When cooking with electricity, turn off the oven, surface units or burners shortly before food has completed cooking.
  • Do not be an “oven peeper.” Each time you open the oven door, you lose heat.
  • Locate cooling appliances away from a heat source such as the range, hot air register or direct sunlight.

    Refrigeration-Refrigerator and Freezer

  • Avoid opening door or holding it open unnecessarily.
  • Vacuum grills and evaporator coils to keep clean.
  • Defrost as needed.
  • If cold air is leaking around door, have door adjusted or gasket replaced.

    Recreation and Entertainment

  • Turn off the TV, radio or stereo when no one is really watching or listening.
  • Disconnect an instant-on TV when you are not going to be using it regularly.
  • Spend vacations closer to home.
  • Use shop or hobby equipment efficiently.

    Personal Care

  • Take short showers instead of full tub baths.
  • Don’t let the water run unnecessarily while you shave, brush your teeth or wash your hair.
  • Turn off personal care appliances after each use.

    __ Direct column topic questions to: Donna Falkenborg, Utah State University Extension, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4900. Phone 435-797-1363; fax: 435-797-7873; email: donnaf@ext.usu.edu. ###