Save smarter with new appliance upgrades
by Dan Kaneko | Feb. 7, 2022
I often remind our company’s social media followers of the little things they can do to save money — turning off lights and appliances when not in use, resisting the temptation to peek inside the refrigerator, using fans instead of the air conditioner — to the point that it has become ingrained in me (and probably everyone who follows us on social media).
Chances are you’re probably already doing the little things right. So rather than rambling on about turning off lights again, I wanted to highlight a few appliance upgrades that will take care of the energy-savings for you while you go about your day.
Smart LED light bulbs
If you’ve been considering adding some smart technology to your home, smart light bulbs are an inexpensive and sensible place to start. You can set your lights to an automated schedule or turn them on and off with voice control or your phone. If you’re not ready to adopt smart bulb technology just yet, consider upgrading to regular LED lights, which will still save you a lot of money versus traditional incandescent bulbs. Find rebates on Hawaii Energy’s website.
Smart thermostat
Does someone in your home leave the air conditioner running when no one is home? Upgrade to a smart thermostat and never worry about it again. Smart thermostats allow you to set a cooling schedule and you can even adjust your home temperature from your phone.
Energy-efficient kitchen appliances
After recently upgrading the refrigerator in my home, I was impressed by how advanced refrigerators have become. Many refrigerators alert you when the door is left open, and some models even allow you to peek inside without opening the door. If you plan on purchasing a new refrigerator soon, be sure to check out Hawaii Energy’s Rid-A-Fridge rebate program.
Looking for a more energy-efficient way to prepare meals? Pressure cookers, instant pots and air fryers are popular kitchen appliances because of their versatility and ease of use, but they’re also provide a more energy-efficient way of cooking compared to more conventional cooking methods.
Energy-efficient washers and dryers
If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, upgrading to an energy-efficient model can save you loads of money. Smart dryers prevent energy wasting by sensing when your clothes are dry and shutting off automatically. Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when shopping to get the best value.
Advanced power strips
Advanced power strips prevent phantom energy loss by sensing when your devices are turned off and preventing them from drawing electricity. When you need to turn your devices back on, the flow of energy resumes without interruption.
Whether you’re replacing old ones or buying new home appliances, be sure to check out the rebate offers from our partner Hawaii Energy. Here’s to achieving your energy-saving goals in 2022!
Dan Kaneko is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
