6,000 gallons of water per year is wasted rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

Dishwasher detergents are formulated to cling to food particles. Without these left over food particles the detergent has a harder time getting the dishes as clean as they could be. 

Dishwashers made in the last five years or so often have a special sensor that can determine the soil level of your dirty dishes. These sensors optically sense the food particles in the air or the water in the dishwasher to determine the type of cycle to run.

​If you are cleaning out your dishwashers filter according to the manufacturers recommendations, usually once a month, simply scrapping off the larger food debris is better for cleaner dishes and less water usage.   

Microwaves DO NOT make your food radioactive. Microwaves produce non ionizing radiation. It is ionizing radiation that is harmful to you, your DNA specifically. Microwave ovens do not have enough power to displace electrons and therefor cannot damage your DNA.

​The energy that a microwave produces is just enough to excite the water molecules in your food. This excitation of the water molecules causes the water in your food to get hot which is how a microwave oven cooks you food.

The door of the microwave prevents microwaves from escaping and heating up the water molecules in your hand for instance. OUCH!  Never operate a microwave oven if the door does not completely close.

Appliances are made to be used.

For example dishwashers have seals that are designed to work in damp conditions. If it is not being used the seals can dry up and crack becoming brittle.

​If you think you are saving water by hand washing the dishes think again. A dishwasher typically uses half the amount of water compared to washing by hand. 

Too much detergent in the washing machine will  leave a residue on your clothes. This build up not only will accumulate on you clothes but in the washing machine itself.

An average load only needs one tablespoon of detergent.

Build up from using too much detergent will cause the washer to work less efficiently, effectively and ultimately lead to less life in the machine.

Electric ovens typically only account for about 8% of energy use in households. Refrigerators on average account for about 30% of the energy use in a household.

​On average it will cost you about thirty cents an hour to run an oven on high, about the same as your toaster.

Ovens are manufactured to hold in the heat and have become fairly efficient. Cooking at the correct temperature and avoiding opening the oven door while cooking will help with efficiency. 
​

Refrigerator Types
1 Side by Side Refrigerator
2 French Door Refrigerator
3 Top/Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
4 Freezer-less Refrigerator
5 Compact Refrigerator

As the name suggests this style splits the refrigerator vertically between the freezer and the refrigerator. This keeps the most commonly used freezer items at eye level for easy access. Side by Side refrigerators are a good choice for tighter spaces because the doors have a narrower swing.

There is almost no limit when it comes to options and configurations concerning the French Door refrigerator. The basic layout consists of two refrigerator doors and a freezer below. Three, Four and even Five door units are available. The options do not stop there. Flex Zone and Freezer Drawers are an option too. All French Door refrigerators provide ample room for things like pizza boxes and platters. Definitely one of the best choices on the market today.

The iconic image when one thinks of a refrigerator. The Top Freezer, Bottom Freezer refrigerator is one of the most common styles around. These refrigerators come in many different sizes. This style will be the most cost effective option as well. Great for a second refrigerator and smaller spaces. 

A freezer-less refrigerator is just as it sounds. It's all fridge. With no freezer compartment a freezer-less refrigerator leaves all the room for fresh foods. Great for promoting healthy eating. A good option if you already have a dedicated freezer. 

Compact refrigerators are mini variants of larger refrigerators. Mini refrigerators are great to use in places like bedrooms, dorm rooms, the office, and even the home bar. Some but not all even come with a freezer section. A great advantage is that they are also extremally portable. 

​You have found yourself in need of a replacement for a major home appliance. Should you consider buying used? There are a few things to think about. Maybe you are on a budget, or just looking to get a great deal on higher-end appliances. It could be that the thought of thousands of used appliances, with many years of life left in them, end up in scrapyards and landfills each year.

Even after considering the cost of delivery and installation, buying a used appliance is often less expensive than repairing your current one. You could save 50 percent or more even if the appliance has not been used. Some may have cosmetic issues like a scratch or dent. At a price hundreds of dollars less than out of box new appliances, having a superficial scratch or dent can be worth it.

It is best to purchase used appliances from a reputable business as opposed to online markets. Check reviews, Mom and Pop shops that have been a staple in the community have sales people and technicians more knowledgeable than the average online seller.

A local used appliance business often offers delivery. Cost can range from $25 to $200 and can include the haul away of your old appliances. They may also offer their own warranty.

Check inventory often as it can change day to day. An advantage of buying a pre-owned refurbished appliance from you local used appliance retailer is often they can have discontinued products, that are in well working order, that a big box store will no longer carry in their inventory. Last years model for a fraction of the cost.

Know what you are looking for. Research appliances you may purchase.
Do you prefer a front loading washer or a top loading washer? Do you like the functionality and style of a french door refrigerator or are you OK with the classic top freezer refrigerators? Are you looking for specific features like convection in your search for a new oven? Knowing which fuel source you have, gas or electric, is important. It will save you time when you are browsing. If what you are looking for is hard to find you can always ask a salesperson to keep an eye out for you and call you if the item comes in.