Kitchen Deals -> Kitchen tools

When shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, it will save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying. Keep in mind that gas dryers are less expensive to operate than electric dryers. The cost of drying a typical load of laundry in an electric dryer is 30 to 40 cents compared to 15 to 25 cents in a gas dryer.

Most avid bakers prefer separate, even-heat double electric ovens. If that describes you - and you have the space - be sure one of the ovens is equipped with a broiler that provides at least 3,000 watts of cooking power. Also look for racks that pull all the way out and lock in place for safe, easy access to the oven. On the inside, a dark interior shows less baked-on grime, while a porcelain interior is easier to clean

You can also maximize the efficiency of appliances you already own through regular maintenance and tune-ups and system upgrades. Examples of some things that you can do are:

• Check air filters in heating and cooling systems monthly during the seasons they are in use and clean and replace them as necessary.
• Clean air vents, baseboards, and radiators regularly and keep them unrestricted by furniture, carpets, or drapes.
• Release trapped air from hot water radiators once or twice a season by opening the valve until nothing but water comes out.
• Follow prescribed maintenance (e.g., maintaining certain water levels in steam heat systems).
• Install an insulating jacket on your hot water heater, insulate hot water pipes, and lower the water heater temperature.
• Clean refrigerator coils yearly and maintain internal temperatures between 36 degrees F (2.2 degrees C) and 38 degrees F (33 degrees C) for the refrigerator compartment and between 0 degrees F (17.8 degrees C) and 5 degrees F (15.0 degrees C) for the freezer compartment.
• Move the refrigerator if it is currently located near the stove or dishwasher.
• Regularly defrost refrigerators that do not have a completely automatic defrost capability to eliminate ice build-up on interior coils.
• Clean dryer filters after each use or as necessary.