Energy Savings • How much energy?

Before you buy any new appliance it's wise to find out just how much energy it will use. Take a moment to look at the plate on the bottom or side of the appliance which gives the electrical "ratings." Ignore all numbers except the wattage rating.

It shows how much energy (measured in kilowatt hours) is consumed in one hour of operation. The two columns to the right show the weight of oil or coal burned at the power station to produce this amount of electrical energy.

Example: If you have an electric frying pan, rated at 1,500 watts, which you use for 4 hours a week, it consumes 6 kilowatt hours of electricity. This might cost you 14 cents on your bill. The generating station, in turn, would burn 60 ounces of oil or 80 ounces of coal to provide you with this electricity. Multiply these figures by 1,000 homes in your area and the total jumps to about 3,750 pounds (375 gallons) of oil or 2Vi tons of coal. And this is just for one appliance!

Manufacturer's instructions. Every new appliance arrives with a manufacturer's manual to help you get the best performance. It shows you how to get the maximum efficiency from the appliance for the least amount of electrical energy. Read it well! Savings tips. Read the chapter, Savings in the Kitchen. It shows how to make the best use of many small appliances, as well as the stove, refrigerator and freezer.



Home > Energy Savings > Choosing Appliances

October 6, 2008