Appliances
Use your appliances wisely and you can enjoy their full benefit without overpaying. Here are a few pointers to consider:
- Use small appliances: Microwave ovens, toaster ovens and slow cookers use less electricity and generate less heat than the oven or range top.
- Range and Oven: Cooking in the oven is more efficient than on the range top because an electric oven is actually on for only about one-third of each hour of cooking. Remember: every time you open the oven door, the oven loses 20% of its heat. When you do cook on the range top, match the surface unit size to your pan.
- Refrigerator: Check and clean the coils on your refrigerator regularly. Check to be sure the door gaskets seal properly by closing the door on a new dollar bill. If you can pull it out, you’re wasting electricity. Keep the refrigerator out of the sun and away from the range.
- Dishwasher: Run the dishwasher when it’s fully loaded only. Use the air dry cycle.
- Clothes washer: Using a cold water rinse for your clothes can save 17 gallons of hot water every time you wash. Save more by using a cold water detergent in cold water for the entire wash cycle.
- Clothes dryer: Over drying clothes shortens fabric life and wastes electricity. Don’t dry heavy fabrics together with lightweight fabrics.
- Hot water: Consider installing a large-capacity, energy-efficient electric water heater. Then, set your water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees (140 degrees if you use a dishwasher) and repair leaks as quickly as possible. Take showers instead of baths and install an energy-efficient shower head (available at your local hardware store).
Insulation
Proper insulation can cut energy costs by as much as half! Insulate outside walls, attics, spaces between floors, around heating ducts and pipes that are exposed to the elements.
Insulate nooks and crannies such as wall outlets, gaps in siding and around the foundation and holes around pipes, ducts and exhaust fans.
The chart below shows the recommended insulation, as measured in resistance numbers, or R values. High R values mean bigger savings.
| Area | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling | R-30 | R-38-49 |
| Wall | R-13 | R-19 |
| Floor | R-19 | R-19-30 |
The R-value for insulation is a way to measure how much resistance the insulation has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more the resistance and the better the material is at insulating a home.
Energy Use FAQ
Yes. York Electric offers a free in-home energy audit. All you have to do is call our member services department at 803-684-4248 and tell them you are interesting in scheduling one.
Yes, it can. You can save by using your current spotlights less, converting your current spotlights to 23 watt compact fluorescent spots, and by installing motion sensors so the lights only work when motion is detected.
The value of electricity remains very high. The national cost of electricity today, when adjusted for inflation, is less than what it was in 1980. Very few commodities have remained such a good value. Compared to other consumer products and services, electricity is a bargain.
Conserving energy is always a good idea. York Electric has a free 101 low-cost/no-cost home energy savings measures brochure. Visit one of our offices to pick up a copy or view and/or download here. Also, visit TogetherWeSave.com and take the home tour to learn what actions you can take to save on your energy bill.