July 2010 Newsletter


Summer is officially here. Time for vacations, barbecues and…higher utility bills? Yes, chances are, with all the extra activity and increased use of air conditioning, your utility bills will be higher. What can you do?

Here are some common-sense basics to help you save money on your utility bills.

1. Measure it.  First find out how much energy your appliances are using with the Kill-a-Watt Meter.  Start tracking total power consumption by the hour, day, week, month or year for any standard household appliance that plugs into a 110 volt outlet using this meter. It can be used to check consumption for appliances, computers, table lamps and most other devices that plug into standard wall receptacles. Then, you can make usage adjustments or replace inefficient appliances as needed.
2. Clean it up. Lint and dirt limit appliance efficiency. Make sure your appliances aren’t clogged with dust, debris or lint. 
   • Clean your refrigerator coils with a condenser brush.
   • Clean your dryer vent with a dryer vent cleaning kit.
   • Replace the filter on your window air conditioner.
   •  Install the Lint Alert alarm on your dryer vent to stay on top of the lint accumulation in the vent; it can also help you prevent potential fires caused by lint buildup.
3. Check the Seal.   Check gaskets on the doors of refrigerators and freezers – if the gaskets are ripped or damaged, replace them—you can find them for your appliance model by using the PartDetective on our website.
4. Take care of it. A well-maintained appliance is a more energy-efficient appliance:  see our monthly maintenance calendar.
5. Spend and save. Consider purchasing new appliances that use less energy, especially if your appliances are more than 10 years old.  For example, newer dishwashers and washing machines use a fraction of the water used by older models. These appliances will save you money in water and energy usage over time, and in some cases, you may even receive a rebate for your purchase.  See the U.S. Department of Energy website for information about Energy Star certified appliances. 

Check out these savings!
Click here to view or order this item at a 10% discount between July 14 and July 24.

Kill-a-Watt Meter - Track total power consumption by hour, day, week, month, or year. Also displays Voltage (V), Line Frequency (Hz), and Power Factor (PF). 15 amp maximum. No batteries required. Accepts standard 110 volt plugs, 2 or 3 prong.