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Cold Weather Tips
Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to keep your
hard-earned money in your pocket. Here are some suggestions you can do at
home, at absolutely no cost to you.
Fast and Free
Eliminate wasted energy
· Turn down your thermostat - For every degree you lower your heat,
you'll save up to 5 percent on heating costs.
· If you have a forced air heating system, or a wall heater, set your
thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day. Set it to 55 degrees, or
off, at night or when away from home.
· If you have a heat pump, it should only be set back five degrees to
prevent unneeded use of backup strip heating.
· Reduce your hot water temperature - Set your water heater to the
"normal" setting, or 120 degrees, unless the owner's manual for
your dishwasher requires a higher setting.
· Use your appliances wisely
o Use a full load when you run your washing machine or your dishwasher -
and avoid peak hours.
o Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer when you can.
o Be sure to clean your clothes dryer's lint trap after each use.
o Use large appliances during off peak hours whenever possible
o Peak hours are 4:00 - 7:00 in the evening.
· Turn on holiday lights after 7pm, turn them off when you go to bed -
don't leave them on overnight.
· Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. It's the best thing you can do.
· Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use.
· Unplug that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't really need
it.
· Turn off your kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans after they've done
their job.
· Close the damper on your fireplace when you aren't using it.
· Shorten your showers.
· Use the energy saving features on your home computer, monitor, and
printer to put your equipment into sleep mode when you are finished, and
turn them off when not in use.
Inexpensive Energy Solutions
Every home is different. With a quick trip to your local hardware
store, you have even more choices at hand.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with Energy StarŪ compact
fluorescent light bulbs.
· Buy Energy StarŪ certified torchieres, table lamps and light fixtures.
Install low flow showerhead
· You'll be surprised how much this simple device can cut your hot water
costs.
Wrap your hot water tank with jacket insulation
· If your water heater is gas, be sure to leave the air intake vent
uncovered.
Plug your home's leaks
· Weather-strip or caulk leaky doors and windows, and cover your outlets.
Replace furnace filters once a month
· Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep your
furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted.
Download a printable tip sheet.
Click the logo below.
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