Match the water level and temperature settings on your clothes washer to the size and type of the load. Don’t waste water by filling the whole tub for just a few small items.
Water Level
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Appliances
Elevating Appliances
For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12″ above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a floodwall around the appliances.
The furnace and water heater can be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 above the projected flood elevation, moved to inside a floodwall or moved to a higher floor.
Furnaces that operate horizontally can be suspended from ceiling joists if the joists are strong enough to hold the weight. Installing a draft-down furnace in the attic may be an option if allowed by local codes. Some heating vents can be located above the projected flood elevation.
Outside air conditioning compressors, heat pumps or package units (single units that include a furnace and air conditioner) can be placed on a base of masonry, concrete or pressure-treated lumber. All work must conform to state and local building codes.
A Good Match
Match the size of the pan to to your stovetop heating element; more heat will get to the pan and less will be lost to the surrounding air. A 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner will waste over 40% of the energy used.
Dishwasher Manual
Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature.
Cold Storage
When the weather gets cold, take advantage of the situation. Free up space in your refrigerator by storing your canned goods and sodas in an unheated garage or outside a backdoor.
Covered Food
Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
Efficient Washers
Energy Star labeled clothes washers use 35-50% less water, and up to two-thirds less energy that conventional washers. The average family can save up to $100 each year in costs by switching to an Energy Star labeled clothes washer.
High Spin Washers
When shopping for a clothes washer, compare spin speeds. Higher spin speed can result in better water extraction and reduced drying times.
No Rinse Plates
Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food pieces and bones. Soaking or prewashing is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food.
Refrigerator Rust
If a freezer or refrigerator is prone to condinsation on the outside, protect the outer surface by rubbing it with silicone polish applied with a soft cloth.
