COMING CLEAN

rom tumblers to tutus, there’s no shortage of washing to do around the home, all of which takes energy. Just making hot water uses about 14 percent of your home energy budget. 

Many new innovations save energy in the cleaning department. One of the simplest and least expensive is a low-flow shower head -- a familiar technology that has improved from earlier versions. It can cut your shower water use in half while maintaining the same pressure as before.

Power$mart Tips

If you are in the market for new appliances, look for these efficient, energy-saving features:

		Dishwashers that turn off the heating element and circulate air from outside the washer for drying.
		Clothes dryers that have moisture sensors that turn off the unit when the clothes are dry.
		Horizontal axis (front loading) washers that use less water and energy to get clothes as clean as conventional washers.

Energy Consciousness Tips

		Set your hot water heater thermostat at 120 degrees (or “low”). It’s hot enough for most needs -- including dishwashers, which are generally made with booster heaters -- and it cuts down on energy needed to keep water hot in the tank.
		Wrap your hot water tank in an insulating “blanket” if it feels warm to the touch.
		Use warm or cold water for laundry when possible, rinse in cold, and wash when you have full loads. Today’s cold water detergents do a good job.