Just because it’s the middle of summer, it doesn’t mean that more can’t be done to save money on your monthly energy bills! Including the costliest appliance (the air conditioner, which is a must in Texas), there are many other appliances that may seem small but add up every month, leaving you with a higher energy bill.

To see a list of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home, continue reading.

The Air Conditioner

To save money on cooling, one of the best options is a programmable thermostat. According to the US Department of Energy, you can easily set the temperature to go up 5 to 10 degrees during the evening and overnight to save on average 10%. Programmable thermostats also make it incredibly easy to track your kilowatt / hour usage to prepare for your upcoming bill and plan for the month after.

The Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is an important appliance in your home, but it is always plugged in and working to make sure food is at the optimal temperature. To save money here, be careful to not leave the door open for extended periods of time. For example, while putting groceries away, keep the refrigerator or freezer door closed unless you are actively stocking the shelves rather than keeping it open the entire time. Other refrigerator tips include:

• Check for optimal internal temperature in the freezer. If there is a layer of ice in your freezer, chances are you’re running too cold.
• Check for optimal internal temperature in the refrigerator. Frozen sauces, drinks, and other items signal an overworked and overcooled fridge.
• Check the seal of the refrigerator and freezer doors by feeling for any cool air when the door is closed. If you feel a cool breeze, the seal may need to be replaced.

The Water Heater

To put into perspective how easily heated water can add up, reducing the temperature of your home’s water tank by 10 degrees can save up to 5% each energy bill. A general rule of thumb is to keep the water heater at no higher than 120 degrees.

The Washer and Dryer

To manage energy use, launder with cool water. Cool water does not not require the energy needed to heat water and it will get your clothes just as clean without the added worry of color loss or shrinkage!

The dryer can also use a significant amount of energy. Instead of drying everything, leave out as many items as possible to dry naturally, such as a laundry rack or hanging by a line in the backyard. Many fabrics benefit from drying naturally and avoid the risk of shrinking and fading this way.

Keep an eye on how long the dryer runs for. Unless timed well, the dryer will continue to run even when clothes are dry. Keep an eye on the temperature, load size, and fabric type to keep the dryer running only when necessary.

Other Small Appliances

There are also smaller appliances to be aware of. Keep in mind that if you choose to conserve energy, these appliances will continue to use electricity while plugged in, even when they are not actively being used:

• Wi-Fi Routers
• Home Telephones
• Cable and Satellite Boxes
• Desktop Computers, Laptops, Printers and Scanners
• Televisions
• Game Consoles
• Microwaves

At Cirro Energy, we offer convenient and easy home solutions such as Electric Line Protect, Surge Protect, and Electric Line with Surge Protect, provided by Allied Warranty. For more information on home solutions, click here. Check back every month for new blogs on helpful electricity tips and easy-living lifestyle advice. To compare and see the Cirro advantage, check out our residential comparison page and make the switch today. Cirro Energy, the easy choice for people who like easy choices.

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