Energy Efficiency Badge

Mar 22, 2022 | Energy Efficiency | 5 comments

Spring cleaning? Don’t forget your devices!

Cleaning and organizing appliances and electronics can save money.

Spring cleaning isn’t just the perfect time to tidy up, get organized and get ready for summer. It’s also a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Yes, really! Cleaning and organizing can positively impact the performance of electronics and appliances of all kinds—and that can have a real effect on your energy bills. Let’s look at ways to clean up devices throughout the house.

Electronics

    • Use smart power strips to reduce “vampire power” loads. Vampire power is energy drained from the wall by your appliances even when they are in sleep mode or turned off. A “smart strip” can automatically cut power to devices you’re not using. Choose the best smart power strip for you with this handy chart from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
    • Plug groups of electronics that you use at the same time—like your TV and gaming console—into the same smart strip. You can pick a strip that turns off automatically at a certain time or one that turns off everything when you power down a key appliance.
  • Refrigerator
    • Check the door seal. Sticky foods can prevent the fridge door from sealing. Wipe it clean with warm soapy water.
    • Clean your condenser coil. Dust can collect on the coil, making it work harder and longer—while raising your energy bill. You can clean it yourself with an inexpensive coil cleaning brush, or hire someone to do it for you.
  • HVAC system
    • Your heating and cooling system uses more energy than anything else in your home. Routine maintenance, like replacing or cleaning air filters, can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. And spring is the perfect season to call your HVAC professional for a yearly inspection and cleaning.

As always, stay safe and follow all appliance and electronics instruction manuals. If you’re unsure about how to best clean an appliance, don’t be afraid to call a professional. They can get the job done right and maybe even give you a few pointers for next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy spring cleaning!

5 Comments

  1. Hope

    How do I get a smart power strip? Also, I’m not that good at deciding what to get

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Hope, You may want to check with local Hardware Stores (Lowes & Home Depot) in your area to inquire about smart power strip choices. You can read more about saving energy with the use of smart power strips under energystar.gov (search – smart power strips.) Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Lucille Babinchak

    Do you take refrigerators from a residence that functions? I heard you may offer a fee to the household. Is that true?

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Lucille, Our Appliance Recycling program is for refrigerators and freezers between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size. The refrigerator or freezer must be in working condition and includes a rebate of $50. Please review the criteria and how to schedule a pickup under https://www.pplelectric.com/recycle or call our Appliance Recycling Team toll free at 1-877-486-9204. Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Nicole

    Great article with awesome tips! I am in the process of Spring Cleaning and will be sure that I add appliances etc to the list! Every bit helps!

    Reply

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