Turn Up Your Thermostat
-Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you
are home and 85 degrees or off when you are
away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you
to set the thermostat higher because the air
movement will cool the room.
Use
Your Appliances Wisely
-Do your laundry efficiently by using the
warm or cold water setting for washing your
clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.
-When you need to use the dryer, run full
loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and
clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each
use.
-Conserve energy by running your dishwasher
only when it is fully loaded, turn off the
dry cycle and air dry dishes instead.
-Use your appliances at non-peak hours—after
7 pm weekdays.
-Lower your hot water heater to 120º
unless your dishwasher requires a higher setting.
Replacing Appliances
-If looking for new household products, look
for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR.
They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines
set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.
- Check the yellow and black "Energy
Guide" labels found on most major household
appliances when you go shopping for items
like refrigerators, air conditioners, or dishwashers.
These labels will tell you how the energy
costs for a particular model compare to those
for similar models. On air conditioners, check
the energy efficiency rating. An "EER"
rating of 12 is good, 14 or more is excellent.
-Before you buy, consider your specific needs
so that you buy the appropriate size and model
appliance. If your air conditioner or water
heater is oversized, for example, you're wasting
energy and money.
- Look for energy-saving features. For instance,
an air-dry setting can allow you to cut the
energy use of a dishwasher by as much as 40%.
Clothes washers with adjustable water levels
and dryers with moisture sensors and cool-down
cycles will also save energy compared to models,
which lack these features. Refrigerators with
a top or bottom freezer design can save you
an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to
a side-by-side design.
Eliminate
Wasted Energy
-Unplug electronic devices and chargers when
they aren't in use-most new electronics use
electricity even when switched "off."
Turn computers and printers off at the power
strip.
Replace
Air Conditioner Filters
-Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause
the system to run longer, increasing energy
use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit.
Seal
Your Ducts
-Leaking ductwork accounts for 25% of cooling
costs in an average home, so have your ducts
tested and have any leaks or restrictions
repaired by a qualified contractor. Note:
duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing.
Dimmer
Switches
-Dimmed lights are not just mood lighting,
but they also help to conserve energy.
Change
Your Bulbs
-Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact
fluorescents. Match bulb wattage to the lighting
task and use dimmers where appropriate.
-Turn off the lights when you leave a room
and install automatic timers, especially for
lights that are frequently left on when they
shouldn't be.
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