Energy Savings Tips

Thermostat / Heating 
(Don’t use it like a gas pedal)
Setting the temperature super high won’t heat your home any faster, but it will make your heater run longer overheating your home and wasting energy.  Instead, just set at desired temperature.  Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day and 55 degrees at night while you’re asleep and get cozy with extra blankets. A long sleeved wool sweater will make you four degrees warmer.  Every degree above 65 degrees can add as much as 3% more to your heating bill.  If you’re going away for several days, turn the thermostat back to 55 degrees.  Never turn it completely off, a sudden cold snap could burst water pipes. Clean or replace furnace filters regularly. Dirt and dust block air flow and interfere with heat transfer.

Insulate
(It’s the number one way to save money and energy all year long)
Putting up storm doors and windows creates a dead air space which is excellent insulation.  They help keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer and usually pay for themselves in a few seasons. Caulk and weather-strip around any cracks or air leaks, such as around windows, door frames and sliding joints.  A good coat of exterior paint after caulking will seal tiny cracks that you might not notice.

Cooling
(Leave AC at 78 degrees)
Use portable fans and ceiling fans to keep cool for less.  If you do use an air conditioner, set it at 78 degrees or higher when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’ll be away more than 4 hours.

Lighting
Turn off lights when not in use, even for just a minute. 

Bathing
Showers use much less hot water than baths.  Install energy-saving low flow showerheads and flow restrictors.  Fix leaks to save energy and water.  Fill the bathtub halfway or less.

Clothes Dryer
(Dry only full loads)
Dry loads one after another to take advantage of heat build-up.  Clean the lint filter before each load.  Use automatic cycle to prevent over drying.

Clothes Washing
(Use cold water when you can)
Use the coolest water temperature that will get clothes clean, considering fabric types and level of soiling. Wash only full loads.  Select the correct water level for the load size.

Refrigeration
(Vacuum refrigerator coils)
Vacuum refrigerator coils at least twice a year.  Open doors only when necessary.  Use Energy-Saver mode if available. 

Dishwashing  
(Let dishes air dry to save)
Wash only full loads.  Use a short cycle for lightly soiled dishes.  Use the energy-saving no heat dry feature.  Or, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse to let dishes air dry.  

Cooking
(Use the microwave to save)
Pre-heat only for baking.  Avoid opening the oven to check progress.  Turn oven off before food is done, and use retained heat to finish cooking.  Use microwave whenever possible.