How a little appliance cleaning boosts your home’s energy efficiency

At Encor, we focus on helping Albertans make confident, informed energy decisions. While larger upgrades like smart thermostats get the attention, there is a smaller, often-overlooked way to boost your home’s efficiency:

A focused woman performing routine maintenance by wiping down kitchen surfaces and appliances to improve household efficiency and cleanliness.

A little cleaning

That’s right, keeping your everyday appliances clean doesn’t just make them look better, it helps them perform better. And when appliances run more efficiently, you use less energy, which is great for the planet and your monthly bill. Let’s walk through a few easy ways to give your appliances the refresh they deserve.

1. Fridge & freezer: clear the coils and cool better

Your fridge works around the clock, so giving it a little TLC can go a long way. Dusty condenser coils and ventilation areas force your fridge to work harder, using more energy to keep things cold.

Quick fix:

Pull the appliance away from the wall.
Use a vacuum or brush to remove dust from the coils.
While you're at it, check door seals for crumbs or spills that prevent a tight close.
An organized, well-stocked fridge is also easier to keep cool as the items help do the job.

2. Dishwasher: Clear out the food gunk

Dishwashers work hard for us, especially on those busy weekdays. Helping them stay gunk-free helps them work smarter. A clogged filter or spray arm means more energy is needed to push water where it needs to go.

Quick fix:

Remove and rinse the filter (usually at the bottom).
Wipe the spray arms and check for blockages in the holes.
Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar.

3. Dryer: More cleaning than just link removal

Cleaning the lint tray after every load is great, but there is more you should do. Lint buildup in the vent reduces airflow, extending drying time and increasing energy use.

Quick fix:

Clean the lint trap after every load.
Every few months, vacuum inside the lint slot.
Check the exterior vent for buildup or blockages.

4. Washing machine: A fresh drum means cleaner clothes

Whether you’re team front-load or team top load, both washer styles benefit from routine cleaning. Detergent buildup and trapped lint make your washer less efficient and leave clothes less fresh.

Quick fix:

Run a hot cleaning cycle with machine cleaner or white vinegar.
Wipe rubber seals to remove mildew or detergent residue.
Leave the door open between loads to reduce moisture.

5. Oven & stove: A clean heat source

Cooking spills, grease and crumbs don’t just affect flavour, they impact energy efficiency as well.

Quick fix:

Wipe spills as soon as the oven cools.
Clean the stovetop with white vinegar.
Use the oven’s self-clean function periodically, or clean manually with baking soda and water. Remember to clean the oven racks separately.

Small Steps, Big Energy Wins

Keeping appliances clean doesn’t require a lot of money, just a little time every now and then. That effort adds up and leads to:

Better performance
Longer appliance lifespans
Lower energy use

At Encor, we’re here to help you get the most out of the energy you use. For more information, check out more energy conservation and cleaning articles on our website.

Sources:
Reduce Refrigerator Energy Consumption

6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Dishwasher Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills

How to Clean Dryers Inside and Out

How to Clean Your Top or Front Load Washing Machine

How to Clean an Oven from Top to Bottom

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