Energy Saving Tips courtesy of Alliance to Save Energy.
- Wash clothes in cold water to save $63 a year.
- Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.
- Use your window shades. Close blinds on the sunny side in summer to keep out the hot sun, and open them in the winter to bring in warm rays.
- Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics not in use. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!)
- Change to new and improved light bulbs. Reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80% with today's increasing number of energy-efficient halogen incandescent, CFL's and LED's.
- Look for the Energy Star Label on a wide range of consumer products to save up to 30% on related electricity bills.
- Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water bills.
- Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty furnace or A/C filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool.
- Reduce water heater temperature to 130 degrees F to save energy and money on heating water, and wrap the water storage tank in a specially-designed "blanket" to retain the heat.
- Seal air leaks and properly insulate to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills, while also increasing home comfort.
