GYR Tips for Appliances

Small and large appliances that are older than 15 years may run inefficiently, and therefore hot, especially if they are not properly maintained. The added heat that large appliances, such as dryers and refrigerators, generate can added several degrees to a room’s temperature and force your air conditioner on when the building is otherwise cool.

	Update, relocate, or remove that second refrigerator. In Florida, it is recommended that we consume a lot of liquid, and many families and businesses keep second refrigerators for the purpose of cooling beverages and freezing extra ice and popsicles. The problem is that many of these second refrigerators are older appliances moved out of the main kitchen and into a garage. Older units do not operate as efficiently as newer units from the start, and with the added burden of working in hot confines of a garage, they really work hard and consume a lot of energy. Energy auditors recommend reducing reliance on second units. Store beverages at room temperature and cool them with ice from your main freezer instead. If you prefer a second unit, try a smaller unit that you can keep inside the house. Investing in a new, small unit, may be less expensive than keeping the old unit in the garage. Try the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator to see what saying goodbye to your old fridge will save you.
	Check your clothes dryer connection and vent. The clothes dryer is one of the most energy intensive appliances in the home or in businesses that use them, but it is also a major generator of heat. This is especially so if the unit is not properly vented to the building exterior. Periodically check that the silver tubing which connects your dryer to your vent or stack is secure. You should not feel air flowing out of it when the unit is on, as all of that air should be pushed outside. And, always make sure that lint trap and tubing and stack or vents are free of lint. Clearing lint helps your unit to run more efficiently (and therefore less!) and reduces fire hazard.