Skip to main content
Pay Online
Outage Information
Contact Us
Time-Of-Day Schedule
Home

SmartHub/Bill Login

Loading SmartHub log in. Please wait...

'Loading NISC SmartHub log in. Please wait...'
Menu

Important Information

  • The lobby will be closed due to COVID until further notice. 
  • USPS Mail delivery continues to be delayed. Pay your bill and view your usage online.  Click here!
  • Capital Credits returned early in May 2020. Click for more info. 
1 of 3 
  • About Us
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Annual Meeting & Family Fun Day
    • Board Of Trustees
      • District Map
      • Trustee Nominating & Election Schedule
    • Capital Credits
      • Capital Credits Change Of Address
      • Capital Credits Estate
      • Capital Credits FAQ
      • Capital Credits Unclaimed Funds List
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Membership Documents & Forms
  • Community
    • ACRE
    • Co-op Connections
    • HUG Card
    • Kids Energy Zone
    • People Fund
    • Scholarship
    • Youth Tour
  • Member Services
    • Ask Your Energy Advisor
    • Commercial & Industrial Members
    • Energy Tips & Information
    • Rebates & Programs
    • Together We Save
    • Home Energy Loans
    • Energy Calculators
  • My Account
    • About Your Bill
    • Apply For Service
    • AutoPay
    • Budget Billing
    • Fees
    • Payment Options
    • Rates
    • SmartHub
    • Transfer/Disconnect
  • Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Safety Quiz
  • Renewable Energy
    • Distribution Generation Documents
    • OurSolar
  • Outage Information

Energy Advice: Which kitchen appliance should I upgrade next?

Monday | February 1, 2021
All News

Suppose you have a kitchen full of old appliances but a budget to replace just one — which will get you the most value for your money?

Most new appliances use much less energy than they did in the past. Manufacturers have found innovative ways to reduce appliance energy use without sacrificing performance. The federal government began tightening appliance standards in the 1980s and has continued as technological innovations became more cost-effective.

It may seem like the oldest appliance should go first. That may make sense if you want the looks and features of a newer oven or dishwasher. But with most appliances, the energy savings you get from a new one will take several years to pay for itself with the energy saved.

The appliance replacement most likely to produce the greatest energy savings is your refrigerator. An older fridge can cost about $20 to run every month. Replacing an old fridge with a new ENERGY STAR-rated model can cut that down to less than $5 a month. The ENERGY STAR label certifies that the appliance saves energy. New refrigerators will include an additional label, the Energy Guide label, which

shows how much energy it uses annually and compares that to the most and least efficient models available. It’s also possible to measure how much energy your fridge is using with a kWh meter. Energy auditors use these meters to measure energy use for common household appliances. Sometimes the energy use of an older fridge can be reduced by replacing the seal around the door.

When you’re looking to replace an old fridge, style counts. A top-freezer setup is the most efficient, while a lower-freezer unit offers medium savings, and a side-by-side style is the least energy efficient.

If your goal is to save money on your energy bill, resist the urge to keep the old fridge in the basement or garage –– that won’t help you reduce your energy use. An old fridge in an uninsulated garage on a hot summer day can use a lot of energy. Maybe you just need more freezer space. If so, consider the most efficient freezer you can find. You can find recommendations on www.energystar.gov.

If your current fridge is in good condition, another appliance you may want to consider upgrading is the dishwasher. With most of us spending more time at home these days, chances are you’re using your dishwasher more than you used to.

As with any major purchase, be sure to read customer reviews for any brands and models you’re considering, and look for additional opportunities to save money, like an upcoming Presidents Day appliance sale.

Back to Top

Quick Links

  • Contact Us
  • Employment
  • QuickLINKS
  • News

ccc-1.png

PoweringUp3.png

Login

Employee Email

©2021 North Central Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Annual Meeting & Family Fun Day
    • Board Of Trustees
      • District Map
      • Trustee Nominating & Election Schedule
    • Capital Credits
      • Capital Credits Change Of Address
      • Capital Credits Estate
      • Capital Credits FAQ
      • Capital Credits Unclaimed Funds List
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Membership Documents & Forms
  • Community
    • ACRE
    • Co-op Connections
    • HUG Card
    • Kids Energy Zone
    • People Fund
    • Scholarship
    • Youth Tour
  • Member Services
    • Ask Your Energy Advisor
    • Commercial & Industrial Members
    • Energy Tips & Information
    • Rebates & Programs
    • Together We Save
    • Home Energy Loans
    • Energy Calculators
  • My Account
    • About Your Bill
    • Apply For Service
    • AutoPay
    • Budget Billing
    • Fees
    • Payment Options
    • Rates
    • SmartHub
    • Transfer/Disconnect
  • Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Safety Quiz
  • Renewable Energy
    • Distribution Generation Documents
    • OurSolar
  • Outage Information