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Increasing Your Home's Energy Efficiency

These days you hear a lot about "green" homebuilding and energy-saving appliances but unless you're in the market for a newly-constructed home, chances are you are hoping your washing machine works - let alone saves you money.  Even with a tightening economy, there are a number of things you can do to help increase your home's energy efficiency which can help cut down on your monthly expenses and make your home more valuable when it comes time to sell.

Did you know?

Newer model refrigerators (those built after 2001) can use up to 61% less energy than older models which saves you over $73 each year!  Plus, several conservation programs including ones from Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy offer valuable money-saving rebates on buying new appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, water heaters and more which can add up to tons of savings.

Even without buying a new refrigerator, you can still get the most energy efficiency if you follow these great tips:

  • Position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
  • To allow air to circulate around the condenser coils, leave a space between the wall or cabinets and the refrigerator or freezer and keep the coils clean.
  • Make sure the door seals are airtight.
  • Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
  • Recycle older or second refrigerators.

  Click here for a list of EnergyStar® qualified products as well as tip for increasing energy efficiency in other appliances.

Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy have lots of valuable information on their websites to help you learn how to increase energy efficiency and save you money on your utility bills.  Learn more

  Home Fair Home Page
  Read about new trends in remodeling
  Learn more about Green Remodeling

For more ideas on how to revitalize your home, contact one of the UW Home Fair vendors.
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