Turn some appliances into 'going green' machines

Nowadays, we want our appliances to perform well and conserve resources. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for, and using, these new workhorses:

Refrigerators
In most homes, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy user in the kitchen, if not the entire house.

The most efficiently designed fridges have a freezer on the bottom or top rather than on the side.

Forgoing conveniences such as through-the-door cold water and automatic ice dispensers can reduce energy usage by up to 55 percent and save you money on the purchase price as well.

Reduce the amount of power your fridge uses by positioning it away from heat sources such as ovens or dishwashers.

Dishwashers
Most dishwashers' electricity goes to heat the water they use.

Optimize savings by running the dishwasher only when it's full.

Use the air-dry instead of the heat-dry feature.

Avoid the rinse-hold and pre-rinse options.

Choose a light or energy-saving wash cycle for dishes that are only slightly soiled.

Clothes washers
On average, your dirty duds require a staggering 40 gallons of water per load.

Front-loading units similar to those found in self-service laundries are the biggest savers.

Look for a low Water Factor and low number of kilowatt hours of electricity.

Choose a model with a high Modified Energy Factor.

Always operate machines with full loads.

Wash clothes in cold water.

If your washer has a spin option, choose high-speed or extended modes to eliminate more water from the clothes, reducing drying time.

Star-Telegram.com | 10/13/2007 | Turn some appliances into 'going green' machines