5 Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bills with the Right Appliances

Tired of seeing high energy bills each month? The appliances you use at home could be part of the problem—and also part of the solution. Choosing energy-efficient appliances can cut down your electricity costs and make your home greener at the same time. Here’s how the right appliances can help you save money, plus some tips to make them work even harder for your budget.

What Makes an Appliance Energy Efficient?

Before we jump into specific appliances, let’s talk about what makes one energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR® label is your best friend. Appliances with this certification are designed to use less energy while still getting the job done. This means they cost less to run and help you save money in the long run.

1. Start with Your Refrigerator: It’s Always On

Your fridge runs 24/7, making it one of the biggest energy users in your home. If your refrigerator is old, it’s likely wasting energy and money. Newer models, especially those with the ENERGY STAR® certification, are much more efficient.

Simple Ways to Save Energy with Your Fridge:

• Pick the right size. Too big, and you’re cooling empty space. Too small, and you’re overloading it.

• Keep it stocked (but not stuffed). A full fridge holds cold air better, but don’t pack it so tightly that airflow gets blocked.

• Check your seals. If the door seals aren’t tight, cold air is escaping, making your refrigerator work harder—and your bills go up.

2. Dishwashers: Clean Dishes, Less Water and Energy

Think handwashing dishes saves water and energy? Think again. Modern dishwashers, especially ENERGY STAR® certified ones, are designed to use less water and energy than washing by hand.

Tips for Using Your Dishwasher Efficiently:

• Only run full loads. A half-full dishwasher uses the same amount of energy as a full one.

• Skip the heated dry. Let your dishes air dry to save energy.

• No need to pre-rinse. Today’s dishwashers are powerful enough to handle dirty dishes, so don’t waste water pre-washing them.

3. Washers and Dryers: Upgrade to High Efficiency

Laundry day can really rack up your energy bill, especially if you’re using an older washer and dryer. ENERGY STAR® certified washers and dryers use 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard models.

How to Save Money Doing Laundry:

• Wash with cold water. Most of the energy used by your washer goes to heating water. Cold water gets the job done for most loads and saves energy.

• Use a high spin setting. This removes more water from your clothes, reducing drying time and energy usage.

• Air-dry clothes when possible. Dryers are energy hogs, so whenever you can, hang clothes to dry.

4. Energy-Efficient Cooking: Save While You Cook

Cooking uses a lot of energy, but upgrading your kitchen appliances can help. Switching to an energy-efficient range or oven can cut your kitchen’s energy use dramatically.

Smart Cooking Tips to Save Energy:

• Consider an induction cooktop. Induction cooktops heat your pans directly, making them more efficient than traditional electric or gas stovetops.

• Use your microwave for small meals. Microwaves use less energy than your oven, so they’re perfect for quick meals or reheating leftovers.

• Match burner size to pan size. Using the right burner for your pot helps direct more heat to the food instead of wasting energy.

5. Get Smart with Smart Appliances

Smart appliances let you control your energy usage in real-time, giving you more flexibility and precision in managing your home's energy consumption. These devices are designed to work smarter, not harder, so they adapt to your habits and schedule, optimizing energy use and saving you money.

How Smart Appliances Can Help You Save:

• Smart Thermostats: Devices like the Nest or Ecobee learn your daily routine and adjust the temperature automatically. They can lower the heat or AC when you’re not home and turn it back up before you return, ensuring comfort while minimizing wasted energy.

• Smart Washers and Dryers: These allow you to schedule loads during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower. Some models even adjust water and energy usage based on the load size, so you only use what’s necessary for each cycle.

• Smart Refrigerators: These appliances can alert you if a door is left open, automatically adjust temperature settings for different compartments, and even help you track food inventory to reduce waste.

• Smart Ovens and Cooktops: Control your cooking remotely or monitor your meals from your phone. Smart ovens can preheat based on a schedule, and some models even recommend energy-saving cooking modes.

Lower Your Bills with the Right Appliances

Cutting down on energy bills doesn’t have to be hard. Choosing energy-efficient appliances and using them wisely can save you money without sacrificing performance.

At Knie, we offer a wide selection of energy-efficient appliances to help you save money without sacrificing performance. Visit us at our appliance store locations in Polo and Sterling, IL, or explore our collection online. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the perfect appliances that fit your home and budget.

Stop by today, take a look around, and find the best energy-saving solutions for your home. While you're here, check out our range of mattresses, outdoor furniture, and more to create a more efficient and comfortable living space. We're here to make sure you get the right fit for your household’s needs!