Ask the Expert

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette saving energy illustration.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette saving energy illustration.

As my budget continues to tighten, I am looking for ways to save money and I am focused on trying to lower my energy bill. How can I be more energy-efficient?

As people have become used to the ease and convenience of dishwashers, microwaves and other appliances, energy use has risen. Even though a lot of the newer models are designed to be energy-efficient, there are other measures that, if put into play, will help residents save even more.

David Lewis, a spokesman for Entergy in Little Rock, offers several money-saving tips and guides readers to even more.

"We have a whole series of energy-efficiency tip videos at entergy.com," he says, adding that those searching for them should look for the "Lower Your Bill" link.

Whether washing clothes or dishes, when doing so, make sure to always maintain a full load. Washing partial loads wastes water and energy. When loading the dishwasher, follow the manufacturer's directions, filling the racks completely to maximize energy and water consumption, but do not overfill, which keeps the water from circulating adequately to ensure proper cleaning.

Also in the kitchen, set the refrigerator and freezer thermostats at the recommended temperature settings -- 37 to 40 degrees for the refrigerator and 5 degrees for the freezer -- to help get the most energy savings but also to keep foods fresh.

The refrigerator should always be well stocked, as a full one uses less energy because there is less air inside to be cooled. But avoid overfilling the refrigerator, because too many items placed together too closely reduces air circulation.

"Keeping refrigerators and freezers mostly full, that not only helps them run more efficiently every day, but also helps them stay cold longer if you experience a power outage," Lewis says. "Fill the empty space in your freezer with two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water. An additional bonus is that those bottles make great reusable ice packs for ice chests."

When it comes to cooking, do so efficiently. Consider using the microwave or toaster oven instead of the stove top or oven, especially in the summer. Often, those smaller appliances can warm food more quickly while using less energy. When using the stove top, make sure to match the pan size to the burner size and cover pots and pans.

In the laundry room, take care to maintain the clothes dryer. Cleaning the lint filter following each use of the dryer will increase air circulation and improve the dryer's efficiency. Also make sure to inspect the dryer vent occasionally to ensure that it is not blocked.

"Consider washing clothes in cold water," Lewis advises. "In most cases, with today's detergents, cold cleans as well as hot."

Whenever possible, choose to air dry laundry instead of using the dryer. Doing so will lower energy costs and may help to keep the clothes looking new longer.

"If you don't have one already, add a simple aerator to your water faucets," Lewis says. "This will save water, and if it's hot water you're saving, it'll save energy, too."

Remember that dehumidifiers can cost more than $100 a year to operate. When using them, make sure to close doors and windows and take care that the unit is located away from furniture or walls.

Those who have older appliances or appliances that need to be repaired should consider upgrading to Energy Star-certified models.

-- Linda S. Haymes

Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:

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HomeStyle on 12/13/2014

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