Home Energy Savings Tips
- In winter months, lower your thermostat at night and whenever the house is
unoccupied. Close off and don’t heat unoccupied rooms (unless
you have a heat pump). If you consistently set your thermostat
back at night 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you may reduce your
heating bill by 10-20 percent.
- Lower the thermostat and dress warmer. As little as 1 to 3 degrees (F) makes a
noteworthy difference in energy consumption.
- Lower the temperature on your electric water heater to 120 (F) degrees. Turn it
off when leaving for extended periods of time. Electric water heaters can be set on
timers; gas heaters must be set anually.
- Set refrigerator temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees (F). Clean the coils. Keep
the refrigerator stocked; it takes more energy to cool an empty refrigerator.
- Consider replacing your older model refrigerator, especially if older than 10 years.
Older models can often use over 3 times the energy of newer models.
- Wash full loads of dishes and air dry.
- When washing clothes, use warm or cold water and rinse with cold. Air dry clothes,
but not indoors as this creates unwanted mold and moisture problems.
- Turn off lights, computers and other electronic appliances when you’re not using
them. Many computer monitors have a sleep mode setting which, when activated,
greatly reduces energy consumption.
- Use a microwave or toaster oven for smaller items.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. Showers use less hot water than baths; also consider taking
shorter showers.
- Close your fireplace damper and seal the opening shut when not in use.
- During the heating season, open south-facing window coverings (e.g. drapes, blinds, etc.)
during the day. Close all window coverings at night to keep the heat in.
- Install foam gaskets behind electric-outlet and switch-plate covers.
- Examine and adjust, if necessary, weather stripping, door sweeps, and thresholds.
Follow this link for tips from EnergyIdeas.org
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