Energy-Saving Tips

Water Heater

• The water heater is the largest user of energy in your home. At the proposed increased rates, it could cost about $200.00 per month to run. Some tips to reduce this cost:
• Lower temperature to “warm” so that the maximum temperature is 120 degrees.
• Wrap the water heater to prevent heat leakage.
• Showers generally use less energy than baths, and the shorter you can make your shower the better.
• Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators.

Appliances And Electronic Devices

• Turn off and unplug every electronic device that is not in use. If the electric device uses standby power or a “sleep” mode, such as TVs and computers, it is especially important to make sure it is unplugged. Any electric device that uses a remote control or has a display for the time is in standby mode as long as it is plugged in, so paying special attention to those devices could save a lot.
• Unplug chargers for electronic devices (such as cell phones and iPods) when not in use.
• A good system for easily turning off electronic devices and making sure they’re not leaking power is to plug them into a power strip or surge protector. When you’re ready to turn them off, you can just flip the switch.

Lighting

• Replace all interior incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. They last longer and cost much less to operate.
• The strong overhead fluorescent lights in many kitchens use a lot of energy. If you have under-cabinet lights or other light sources, you may consider using those instead.
• As much as possible, take advantage of the natural light outside. Especially when we have sun, letting the sunlight in can light and heat your home for free.

In The Kitchen

• Use the microwave instead of the electric range as much as possible; it uses about 75% less energy.
• Washing dishes in a full dish washer (with the heat dry turned off or in energy-saving mode) uses less energy than doing dishes by hand.

Laundry

• Wash clothes in cold water and only do full loads.
• Hang your clothes to dry.
• If you have to use the dryer, clean the lint filter after every load.

Electric Heat

• Only heat the rooms you need and close the doors of unused rooms.
• Set the house thermostat to the lowest possible comfortable setting and dress more warmly or throw an extra blanket on your bed.
• Seal, foam and weather-strip around windows and doors.
• Use mastic to seal all exposed ductwork joints in areas such as the attic, crawlspace, or basement. Insulated ducts improve the heating system’s efficiency.
• Adding single pane storm windows can reduce heat loss through windows. An alternative is to temporarily install plastic sheeting.

Thanks to the many people and sources used to compile this list of easy energy-saving techniques! As we gather more information and tips, we will update this list.

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