Tip # 1
Make sure your window and
doors are properly sealed; if you find broken or missing seals,
visit your nearest hardware store. A couple of dollars worth of
weather stripping could save you hundreds on utility bills this winter.
Tip # 2
Longer winter days mean more
time spent indoors; this will result in higher electric bills.
Carefully select light bulbs in areas were you will spend most of your
time and replace them with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs.
Tip # 3
Install a ENERGY STAR
qualified thermostat and use it to save energy when you are not at
home.
Tip # 4
Install a water heater
jacket to reduce the heat loss that results from differential
temperature losses between the water heater and the surrounding environment.
Tip # 5
Replacing AC filters
monthly or as needed helps
cooling systems run more efficiently, use less energy,
and lower energy bills.
Tip # 6
Also, keep both outdoor and
indoor air conditioner coils clean. Dirt build-up on the indoor coil is
the single most common cause of poor operating efficiency.
Tip # 7
Reduce the cooling load
by effectively shading east and west windows. Close curtains during
the day, and install awnings on south-facing windows. Plant shade
trees or vines.
Tip # 8
When possible, delay
heat-producing activities such as dish washing until the evening.
Tip # 9
During the cooling
season, keep your house closed tight in the daytime to keep
unwanted heat and humidity out. If necessary, ventilate at night either
naturally or with fans.
Tip # 10
Avoid running a dehumidifier
at the same time as the AC. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling
load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
Tip # 11
Turn off your
computer and monitor when you are done using them; activate
the “sleep” feature so the machine powers down when on but not in use
for a while. When you leave a room, turn off the lights and all other
energy-using equipment.
Tip # 12
Shift energy-intensive
tasks such as laundry and dish washing to off-peak energy
demand hours to increase electricity reliability during heat waves; do
full loads when you run washers, dryers, and dishwashers; wash clothes
in cold water when possible; clean the lint filter in your dryer after
every load.
Tip # 13
Keep lamps or TVs
away from the air conditioner thermostat. The heat they generate will
cause your air conditioner to run longer, running up bills
unnecessarily.
Tip
# 14
Get the most energy-efficient
air conditioner you can afford. Look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Rating) 12 or higher on central systems and the Energy Star
label on room units. Savings will show up on your next electric bill.
TIP
# 15
Save up to 10 percent a
year with a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts
the temperature by 10 to 15 percent for the hours that the house is
unoccupied.
TIP
# 16
Plug energy leaks by caulking
and weather stripping all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. You
can save 10 percent or more on energy bills by reducing air leaks.
TIP # 17
Finance energy efficiency
investments when refinancing your mortgage to take advantage of low
interest rates. The interest may be deductible, and your monthly energy
bills will be lower.
TIP # 18
Cut utility bills by up to 30
percent with air conditioners, major appliances, lighting, and
electronics that have the Energy Star label – the government’s symbol
for energy efficiency.
TIP # 19
Replace incandescent light
bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use one-fourth the energy and last
up to seven times longer. Replace halogen fixtures with
compact fluorescents that use 60-80 percent less energy,
produce more light, and stay cooler.
TIP
# 20
For outdoor lighting, consider
combining energy-efficient light bulbs with motion sensors to provide
security while reducing energy use. Indoors, use dimmers, timers, or
occupancy/motion detectors or timers.
