Lighting and Appliances

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Although space heating and cooling, and heating water are the biggest energy users in our homes, there are a lot of other ways we use energy everyday. Choosing more efficient appliances and changing some of the ways we use energy in our homes can help to save money on utility bills without the bigger upfront cost of heating, cooling, or water upgrades.

Even if you rent your home, there are lots of ways to save energy and lower your utility bills!

Induction Cooktops

Induction Stoves

Induction Stove Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer heat directly to the magnetic cookware. Essentially, the cooktop heats the cookware itself not the cooktop.

Cookware for induction must be conductive. Yes: cast iron and stainless steel. No: Copper, aluminum, glass, or ceramic.

Why choose induction over gas or electric?

Improved temperature control and faster heating. Induction cooktops adjust the temperature faster and more precisely than electric and gas cooktops.
Improved indoor air quality. No gas combustion in the home.
More efficient. Induction stoves are around 32% more efficient than gas stoves and 5-10% more efficient than electric resistance stoves. 2021-2022 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award Residential Induction Cooking Tops.
Easier cleaning. The smooth, flat surface is easy to clean. Induction cooktops don't heat the actual cooktop; decreasing burns from splatters and spills. Heat from the cookware may heat the cooktop so it's still important to check if it's hot before cleaning.

Induction stoves are a great option whether you are switching from gas, looking to upgrade your old electric stove, or building new.

Refrigerators

Energy_Star_logo If you are in the market for refrigerators always look for ENERGY STAR© certification and check to see if products you are considering qualify for rebates or incentives.

When you are searching ENERGY STAR© you can narrow your search for lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. This means that if the refrigerant is released into the environment it will have a lower impact.

Washing Machines & Clothes Dryers

Washing Machines

When you are selecting a washing machine look for ENERGY STAR©. Check to see if the washing machines qualify for City of Bozeman Water Conservation Rebates.

Clothes Dryers

When you are selecting a new clothes dryer look for ENERGY STAR©. In the ENERGY STAR© search look for higher CEF ratings. CEF (Combined Energy Factor) is a measure of energy efficiency that reflects the energy use of the clothes dryer.

Heat Pump Dryers

Heat pump dryers can reduce energy use by at least 28% compared to standard dryers. They can also be easy to install since they don't require ventilation

Lighting

Upgrading to energy-efficient indoor and outdoor lighting can reduce energy use and also improve the quality of your living spaces.

Install LED lighting fixtures. Especially for areas where the light will be on for more than 2 hours a day.
Install timers, occupancy sensors, or other technologies that will automatically turn lights off.
More light is not always better - selecting higher quality lighting can reduce the amount of lights a space needs.
NorthWestern Energy offers rebates for qualifying lighting products and has a lighting buydown program. NorthWestern Energy customers (including renters!) can take advantage of rebate programs. Check our NorthWestern Energy and other incentive programs available for residents and businesses.

Gas Stoves & Indoor Air Quality

Multiple health studies have shown that combustion appliances that burn fossil fuels (like natural gas) directly in buildings have a negative impact on indoor air quality and health. Combustion appliances pollute carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and more into the home.

Gas stoves, particularly when unvented, can be a primary source of indoor air pollution. A recent study by the Rocky Mountain Institute found that homes with gas stoves can have nitrogen dioxide concentrations that are 50–400 percent higher than homes with electric stoves.

Induction cooktops are a great option if you are looking for a stove with similar (or better!) performance as a gas stove.

Rebates, Tax Credits, and Financing

When you are considering purchasing new home appliances always check to see what incentive options are available to you.