| Are you interested in making your home more | | | | energy in one year than gas burners with electric |
| energy-efficient? How about saving some money in | | | | ignition. |
| the long run? Well, here are a few items that you | | | | 6. Dishwasher - Today's dishwashers are much more |
| should consider replacing in your home, especially if | | | | energy efficient than older models as they usually |
| you've had them in place over 10 years. | | | | conserve time, water as well as energy. |
| | | | 7. Washer and Dryer - There are dramatic savings to |
| 1. Bathroom Sink Faucet - Did you know that a | | | | be realized with new washers and dryers with the |
| dripping bathroom sink faucet can waste as much as | | | | Energy Star rating. You can expect to save up to |
| 3,000 gallons per year? If the faucet was purchased | | | | $550 over the appliance's lifetime. Front loading |
| and installed before 1994, it can flow at a rate of 3 | | | | washers use the least water and electricity. New |
| to 7 gallons per minute. Current federal law requires | | | | dryers have moisture senors in them which shut off |
| that all new faucets have a flow rate no more than | | | | the machine when the clothes are dry. |
| 2.2 gallons per minute. | | | | 8. Windows - Newer, more efficiently sealed windows |
| 2. Toilet - Older toilets can use as much as 7 gallons | | | | can help you cut your energy bill by as much as 15 |
| per flush. Redesigned toilets can use 1.6 gallons or | | | | percent. You have the choice of double or triple pane |
| less per flush. | | | | windows which reduce heat flow and prevent |
| 3. Showerhead - Newer showerheads are designed | | | | condensation. |
| to produce large water droplets at a high velocity | | | | 9. Water Heater - New tankless water heaters can |
| providing the sensation of high water flow. Some of | | | | save you up to $500 in operating costs. Or, you can |
| the newer showerheads also allow you to adjust the | | | | opt for a solar heating system will save you |
| flow from the current 2.5 gallons per minute to less | | | | anywhere from 50 to 80 percent in energy costs. |
| than 2 gallons per minute. | | | | 10. Heating and Air Conditioning - If you've had your |
| 4. Refrigerator - Newer refrigerators have | | | | heating and air conditioning system more than 12 to |
| high-efficiency compressors, thicker insulation and | | | | 15 years, then it's probably time to start thinking |
| more precise temperature controls. When replacing a | | | | about a replacement system. Energy Star certified |
| refrigerator, be sure and look for an Energy Star label | | | | systems can probably save you anywhere from 20 |
| which means it meets strict energy-efficient | | | | to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs. |
| standards set by the Environmental Protection | | | | Replacing all of these items at one time is cost |
| Agency. | | | | prohibitive, but you should start reviewing the list and |
| 5. Cooktop - Cooktops are one of the least | | | | gradually replace the oldest appliances as soon as you |
| energy-efficient appliances in the home. Gas burners | | | | can afford it. It will ultimately bring you long term |
| with standing pilots can use more than double the | | | | savings and make you a much happier consumer. |