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4.4 REGULAR MAINTENANCE FOR APPLIANCES

Do regular maintenance and you'll save on energy bills, your equipment will last longer, and you'll be helping the environment.

==Clean air conditioner filters at the beginning of the summer. A simple vacuuming may be enough. Dirty filters can be washed in detergent and hung out to dry or they can be replaced. In warm climates, clean AC filters about once a month.

==Keep the coils on your refrigerator clean. First unplug your fridge then carefully brush or vacuum the outside coils -- usually on the back or underneath. The purpose of these coils is to disperse heat generated by the refrigerator. Dust insulates the coils instead.

==Drain your hot water tank at least once a year. Sediment settles on the bottom and makes it less efficient. Make certain it is turned off first.

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