Simple ways to reduce energy:

 

Lights and appliances:

 

·        Turn off lights and appliances when they are not being used.

·        To help you remember to turn out lighting, try making a small sign to remind you later, such as “turn out the light!” next to the light switch.

·        Do not leave the refrigerator or oven doors open- 30% of the cold or hot air escapes every time it’s opened.

·        Do not overload the refrigerator or freezer.

·        Wash only full loads of clothes, and set the water level appropriately.

·        Clean the lint screen on the dryer- a clogged lint screen can cause the dryer to use 30% more energy and is a fire hazard.

·        Dry one load of clothes immediately after another.

·        Dust light fixtures regularly, since dust can block up to 50% of light output.

·        Keep lamps away from thermostats- the heat produced can cause your furnace to run less than needed and your air conditioner more than needed.

·        Unplug any electrical device that is not in use, since they draw power even when not in use.

·        If you take a vacation, turn off and unplug anything you can, and turn down your heat or turn off the air conditioner.

 

Heating and cooling:

 

·        Do not set the thermostat higher than you actually want it- it will not heat any faster and will keep the furnace running longer than necessary.

·        When going on vacation, lower the heat to 55˚ or turn off the air conditioner.

·        Vacuum registers and vents regularly.

·        Do not let furniture or draperies block the air flow from heating vents.

·        During the winter, keep the curtains and blinds closed at night to bock cold air, and open them during the day to let the sun warm the room.

·        During the summer, keep the curtains and blinds closed during the day to block the sun, and open them at night to cool the room.

·        Set your air conditioning fan to “on” rather than “auto” since this will keep the air temperature more even.

·        Weatherize your room by putting plastic on your windows.