Save energy this holiday season with these simple tips for major home appliances

The holiday season is often a time for lots of cooking and laundry. But with all this activity comes a spike in energy use, and higher utility bills. Your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer are some of the biggest energy users in your home. The good news is that you can take some simple steps to make your home appliances more energy-efficient, and we’re here to help you learn how!

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the documentation for your specific appliance model.

Refrigerators

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home, especially during the holidays. Here are some simple steps to save energy and ensure it works well:

• Check and replace door seals: Open the refrigerator door and inspect the rubber seals around the edges. Look for cracks, tears, or areas where the seal isn’t tight. If you notice damage, replace the seals to keep cold air from escaping.
• Clean condenser coils: Locate the condenser coils, usually at the back or bottom of the fridge. Unplug the refrigerator and use a brush or vacuum to clean the coils. Dust and debris make the fridge work harder, using more energy.
• Set the right temperature: Keep the refrigerator at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F for food safety. Use a thermometer to double-check the internal temperature if needed.
• Don’t overload the fridge: Leave enough space for air to circulate inside. Overloading the fridge blocks airflow, making it harder for the appliance to maintain the right temperature.

Read more: 8 Tips To Prep Your Kitchen For A Holiday Feast

Ranges, ovens and cooktops

Your range, oven, and cooktop are the heart of your kitchen, especially during the holidays when you’re cooking and baking more than usual. Here’s how to keep them efficient and running smoothly:

• Inspect and replace oven door gaskets: Check the rubber gasket around the oven door for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear. If it’s damaged, remove the old gasket and press a new one into place to prevent heat from escaping during cooking.
• Avoid opening the oven door frequently: Each time the oven door is opened, the temperature drops, making the oven work harder to reheat. Use the oven light and window to check on your food instead.
• Use the right-sized burner on the range or cooktop: Match the size of your pots and pans to the burner. Using a small pan on a large burner wastes energy and creates uneven heating.
• Keep the stovetop and burners clean: Food debris and grease on the burners or cooktop can affect heating efficiency. Regularly clean the surface and burners to ensure even heat distribution.
• Use smaller appliances for smaller tasks: For smaller meals or reheating, consider using a toaster oven or microwave instead of the full-sized oven. These appliances use less energy.

Read more: How to prepare and maintain your appliances during the holidays

Dishwashers

With all the extra holiday cooking, your dishwasher is likely to work overtime. Keeping it efficient can save water, energy, and time. Here’s how to get the best out of it:

• Clean the filters and spray arms: Remove the bottom rack and locate the filter. Twist it out and rinse it under warm water to clear debris. Check the spray arms for clogs by inspecting the small holes. Use a toothpick or small brush to remove food particles and ensure proper water flow.
• Run full loads only: Avoid running the dishwasher half-full. Wait until it’s fully loaded to get the most out of each cycle while saving energy and water.
• Switch to air-dry mode: Use the air-dry setting instead of heated drying to reduce energy consumption. If your dishwasher doesn’t have this feature, crack the door open after the wash cycle to let dishes air-dry.
• Check and replace the door gasket: Inspect the rubber seal around the door for cracks or gaps. A damaged seal can cause leaks and waste water. If needed, pull out the old gasket and press a new one firmly into place.
• Clean the filter: Remove the bottom rack and locate the filter, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. Twist and lift out the filter, then rinse it under warm water to remove food particles and debris. A clean filter helps water flow.

Washers

With holiday gatherings, your washer and dryer might see more use than usual. Keeping them efficient not only saves energy but also helps prevent wear and tear. Here’s what you can do:

• Use cold water settings: Washing with cold water reduces the energy used to heat water and is gentler on fabrics. It’s effective for most loads, even during the holidays.
• Balance loads properly: Avoid overloading the drum or washing small, heavy items alone, as this can strain the washer’s suspension system. Balance the load to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect and clean the filter: Many washers have a filter to catch debris. Locate it (check your manual), remove it, and rinse it under running water to maintain.

Dryers

Your dryer works hard during the holidays with extra laundry from guests, holiday outfits, and festive activities. Keeping it in top shape can save energy and reduce drying times. Here’s how to maintain your dryer:

• Clean the lint trap before every load: A clogged lint trap reduces airflow, making the dryer work harder and take longer to dry clothes.
• Inspect and clean the vent hose: Disconnect the dryer vent hose and check for lint buildup. Use a brush or vacuum to clean it out for better airflow and faster drying.
• Replace worn belts and seals: If your dryer isn’t drying efficiently or making unusual noises, check the drum belt and door seal for wear. Replace them as needed to improve energy efficiency.
• Use lower heat settings: Opt for medium or low heat settings to save energy and protect your clothes from excessive heat.

Read more: How to maintain your home appliances during the holiday season

You can always find more help from us!

When you need replacement parts, be sure to visit AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number. With millions of parts available, most ship fast and arrive in just two business days. For assistance, call our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While waiting for your part, check out our DIY blog and our YouTube channel, where you’ll find thousands of helpful repair videos.

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