Energy Saving Tips

HEATING

• Set the thermostat to 65°-70° during the day when you are at home.
• Set the thermostat to 55°-60° at night or when you are not at home.
• If you have a heat pump, do not turn up heat more than 5° at a time.
• Keep heating vents and interior doors open so heat enters all rooms.
• Check furnace filters every 3 months and replace (or clean) them if dirty.
• Make sure space heaters or baseboard heaters are not blocked by furniture or curtains.

COOLING

• Open windows or doors to let in cooler morning or evening air.
• Close curtains or blinds to keep the sun from overheating the room.
• Use a fan. Air blowing across your skin can make you feel cooler.

HOT WATER

• Set the hot water temperature to 120° for energy saving and safety.
• Wash clothes in cold water to save money and keep colors bright.
• Install water-saving faucet aerators, showerheads, and toilets.

KITCHEN

• Unplug the extra refrigerator or freezer if you don’t really need it.
• Clean under the refrigerator. Dirt and dust make it work less efficiently.
• If possible, replace the refrigerator with a more energy-efficient model.

LIGHTING

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs or LEDs.
• Turn off lights if you don’t need them on. Open curtains to let in natural light.

MOISTURE

• Turn on the exhaust fan when you bathe or shower. Leave on at least 10 minutes after.
• Turn on the exhaust fan when you cook. If you don’t have a fan, open the nearest window.
• The dryer vent should be as short and as straight as possible. It should vent to the outside.

SAFETY

• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, including one alarm outside the bedrooms.
• If you have a combustion device, install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are older than 10 years should be replaced.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are painted, dirty, or damaged should be replaced.