Dishwashers Really do Save Energy

For years we never considered buying a dishwasher because we thought they used too much water and energy. Then I read in Consumer Reports magazine that, no matter how frugal you are, washing a sinkful of dishes used at least 4 gallons of water (plus the energy to heat it). We got an old dishwasher for free, that used only 7 gallons for a day's worth of dishes. Now, we have an Energy Star model that uses about 5 gallons. We use the shortest cycle we can to save energy - you can always spot-clean if a dish or two comes out with a bit of soil left on it.

Efficient Oven Cleaning

In my opinion, the self-cleaning feature of most modern ovens is an immense waste of energy. I used it once, when I was first married, and the heat created made me worry that the cabinets on either side of the appliance would ignite! Of course, they didn't, but the high temperatures necessary to reduce spills to ash is just too wasteful. Also, if you forget to take the racks out, they become permanently discolored.

To avoid using this cycle, clean spills as they happen. If you have a baked-on mess, try this: Warm the oven, then sprinkle baking soda on the spill until it is covered. Spray some soapy water on the baking soda, then close the door and wait about 20 minutes. After that amount of time, you should be able to scrape the mess off using a pot scraper (another great tool). Repeat the procedure,using a scrubbie pad to remove any lingering traces of the stain.

Save Energy and Take Warm Showers

Do you turn down the thermostat on your hot water heater to save energy, then suffer through cool morning showers? If so, here's a trick my husband J. recently came up with. Approximately 15 minutes before you plan to take a shower, turn up the temperature one notch on your water heater, until you hear it click on. Fifteen minutes later, you'll be basking in warmth! Turn it back down to "energy saver" immediately after everyone is done showering.

The small amount of energy used is minuscule compared to the comfort factor on a chilly winter morning. To use the remaining pre-warmed water in the tank, I usually do do some hand washing, laundry or run the dishwasher, as well.