Cutting Down Your Use

All appliances cost money to run, so cutting down your usage of them will save money and energy.

• Use your major appliances during non-peak hours. For example, during summer months use your dishwasher and clothes washer after 8 p.m.
• Turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle and let the dishes air dry.
• Run your pool pump during non peak hours – after 8 p.m.
• Don’t let the clothes dryer keep running after clothes are already dry.
• If your home has ceiling fans, make sure they are “off” when no one is in the room. Fans only make you feel cool by blowing air across your skin. So when no one is there to appreciate the moving air, make sure they are turned off.
• If you like keeping the TV on for background noise, try using a radio instead. You’ll save energy – and get more done too!

Adjust Your Thermostat

By adjusting your thermostat to a warmer setting in summer and cooler in winter you could save up to $100 a year. Close your drapes and blinds during summer to keep the sun’s rays out and open them in winter to let in warm sunlight.

• In winter set your heater at or below 68°F during the day and 60°F at night.
• In summer set your air conditioner at or above 78°F during the day and 84°F at night.
• Use shade trees. Shade trees are both beautiful and cost effective way to lower your energy use.
• Replace or clean your home’s air filters each month. Consider it a tune-up for your air conditioner.
• On extremely hot days, stay safe by drinking water and visiting air conditioned public facilities like a library, museum or theatre if one is close by.

Shine A Light On Savings

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) not only last longer than incandescent lamps, they also save money because they use less energy.

• Turn off lights when you are not using them.
• Replace your most used 60-watt traditional incandescent bulbs with 13-watt CFLs and save up to $12 a year.
• Replace your most used 75-watt traditional incandescent bulbs with 18-watt CFLs and save up to $16 a year.
• Replace your most used 100-watt traditional incandescent bulbs with 23-watt CFLs and save up to $20 a year.
• When possible, use natural light from the sun during the day to save from using lights altogether.

Unplug And Save

All appliances cost money to run, so if there are any you don’t use, unplugging them will save money and energy.

• Cook on your barbecue whenever possible.
• Instead of cooking, once a week have a sandwich night. Not cooking saves gas and electricity.
• When you have a sunny day, hang the clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
• Turn off and unplug your computer, TV, VCR, CD or DVD player, and other small appliances when you are finished using them.
• Unplug empty and under used refrigerators and freezers.
• Look for the ENERGYSTAR^® label on new products for the most energy savings. Visit www.energystar.gov to learn more.

Don’t Send Your $$ Down The Drain

• It’s cheaper to use cold water to wash your laundry. Cold water cleans your clothes just as well as hot water, and if you do a lot of laundry, you could save up to $100 a year!
• A leaky faucet wastes water, and a leaky hot water faucet wastes the energy used to heat the water as well! Make sure you don’t have leaks.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full before turning it on.
• It takes energy and water for washing clothes, so make sure your clothes are really dirty before putting them into the hamper.
• It takes energy to heat water, so you can save energy and water by taking shorter showers or half-full baths.
• Fix all water leaks, both hot and cold. At the rate of only 30 drops per minute, you waste 50 gallons of water a month!

Don’t Let Your Energy Leak Out

Save energy by making sure your sealed tight.

• Make sure your water heater isn’t losing heat. Install an insulating blanket around the tank.
• If you find yourself staring into an open fridge to figure out what to eat, you are wasting energy. Make your choice quickly!
• Don’t leave windows or outside doors open when the heat or air conditioning is on.
• Check to see if your refrigerator door seals properly. Get a slip of paper. Close the door on the paper, then see if you can pull it out easily. If it pulls right out, you may need new seals or the refrigerator to be replaced. If it sticks and you have to tug to get it out, that means the door seals are working properly.
• If you have a fireplace in your home, check to see if the damper is open or closed. If it is open when the heating or cooling system is on, it lets expensive heated or cooled air escape up the chimney.