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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.