Electric > Tucson Electric Power > Appliances

Appliance Efficiency

Over the life of your major appliances, you may actually pay more to operate an appliance than you did to buy it, so it's important to use them wisely. In fact, all appliances generate heat when they're on, so using them less will also reduce demand on your home's cooling system.

Water Heaters

• Repair leaky faucets. Even a drip can add up to a big splash on your monthly energy usage.
• Lower temperature setting to 120 degrees, recommended by the National Safety Council.
• Install water-saving showerheads and low-flow aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets.
• Consider replacing your water heater with a new, high-efficiency model, or even a solar water heating system.
• Do not run circulating pumps 24 hours a day. Add a timer and limit the use to 3 to 4 hours a day.

Refrigerators and Freezers

• Place your refrigerator and freezer in a cool, well-ventilated location and, when possible, some distance from the range or oven. Avoid placing a second refrigerator in a hot garage, which will keep the unit working overtime to try to stay cool.
• Clean dirt and dust from condenser coils frequently to allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently.
• Test your refrigerator temperature overnight and adjust the setting to maintain the correct temperature (37-40 degrees).
• Check door seals for proper fit to avoid air leaks. If you can easily run a credit card between the door and the frame, adjust or replace the seal.

Washers and Dryers

• Keep washer and dryer filters clean.
• Wash full loads of clothes, but not packed so tightly that they can't circulate freely. In summer, wash during cooler times of the day and evening.
• Make sure the dryer is vented properly to the outside.
• Hang-dry your clothes outside on sunny days.
• Use cold water to wash and rinse when possible.

Ranges and Ovens

• Use the lowest possible temperature setting to prepare food.
• Preheat only if the recipe calls for it.
• On stovetops, match the pan size with the cooking element.
• Cover pans to cook faster and conserve fuel.
• Use a microwave oven to reheat leftovers and small dishes.
• Use crock pot instead of oven.

Dishwashers

• Run your dishwasher with full loads only.
• Use the energy-saving setting.
• In winter, open the door to allow dishes to air-dry, which will save energy and humidify the air, making it feel warmer. In summer, use the machine's air-dry setting, and only wash dishes during cooler times of the day and night.