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Install a programmable
thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
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Use compact fluorescent
light bulbs.
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Air dry dishes instead
of using the dishwasher’s dry cycle.
-
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Turn off the computer
and monitor when not in use.
-
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Plug in home
electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips;
-
Turn the power strip off
when the equipment is not in use.
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Set your water heater
thermostat at 120 degrees (or "low").
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Wash only full loads of
laundry and clothes.
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Look for the ENERGY STAR
label on your home appliances and products.
-
Check for holes or
cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures,
switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air in and out of your home.
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Look for ways to use
lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, dimmers, or timers-to reduce
lighting energy use.
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Properly caulking and
weather-stripping your doors and windows can reduce heating and air conditioning
usage by 10 to 20 percent. Weather-strip your attic access door and
insulate this door by attaching foam insulation or fiberglass batting to the
back.
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Clean warm-air
registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure furniture,
carpeting, or drapes do not block them.
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Glass fireplace doors
help stop heat from being lost up the chimney. Also, close the fireplace damper
when not in use.
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Replacing an old
refrigerator (18 years or older) with a new unit reduces electric usage by at
least 35 percent.
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If your home has only
single pane windows, consider replacing them.
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Have your heating system
tuned and cleaned yearly for best efficiency.
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Trees that lose their
leaves in the fall give protection from the summer sun and permit winter
sunlight to reach and warm your home.
