| Energy
Conservation...
To help
simplify the information available related to Energy
Conservation, we have broken the information down into
different categories as it relates to Electricity, Natural
Gas & Water. For more information click on the links
below:
Some Basic
Energy Saving
Tips
- Caulk
and weatherstrip around windows and doors to stop air
leaks
- Seal
gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical
wiring
- Change
air filters monthly
- Replace
incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents – they use
75% less energy and last 10 times longer
- Install
aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads
- Fix any
leaky faucets – one drop per second can add up to 165
gallons a month
- Tune-up
your heating and cooling system annually to keep it
running as efficiently as possible
- Have
your ductwork inspected and repair any leaks
- Add
insulation to your attic, crawl space and any accessible
exterior walls
- Wrap
your water heater with insulation or install an
insulating blanket
- Look
for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing large or small
appliances
- Use
power strips for home electronics and turn off power
strips when equipment is not in use
- Replace
worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer
-
Perform a do-it-yourself
home energy audit.
Online and paper versions are available.
- Reduce
hot water use by taking shorter showers and using cold
water for the rinse cycle in your washer
- Turn
off lights, televisions and other appliances when not in
use
- Clean
refrigerator coils regularly to keep compressor running
efficiently
- Set the
refrigerator temperature at 36° to 39° F and freezer at
0° to 5° F
- Use the
microwave when possible – it cooks faster and doesn’t
create as much heat as a stove burner
- Air-dry
dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying
option
- Run
your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full
- Match
the size of your pot or pan to the size of the burner
- Make
sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the
lint filter after every load
- Keep
all windows and doors located near your thermostat
closed tightly
- Keep
heat sources such as lamps and appliances away from your
thermostat
-
Consider replacing your older model refrigerator,
especially if it's over 10 years old, with an ENERGY
STAR refrigerator
- Install
foam gaskets behind electric-outlet and switch-plate
covers
- Dry one
load of clothes immediately after another to minimize
heat loss
- Defrost
frozen food in the refrigerator before cooking
- Use the
oven light to check on progress when cooking or baking
- Keep
your outside air unit clean and clear of debris or weeds
- Use
low-watt bulbs where lighting is not critical
- Place
floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection
off the walls will give you more light
- Turn
off outdoor lighting during the day. Try timer switches
or photoelectric controls if the finger method is a
bother
- Keep
your freezer full. The fuller the freezer, the less cold
air you lose when opening the door
- Use the
self-cleaning cycle of your oven right after you finish
baking. That will give it a head start in heating up
- Hang on
to appliance manuals so you can refer to them for care
information and possible energy-saving tips
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