Lower Energy Costs
There are a many things we can do to help lower our energy costs. Some can be done right away.
Save on gasoline:
- Shop locally and walk whenever possible.
- Use public transportation.
- If you need to drive, car pool if possible and run all of your errands at one time.
- For optimum gasoline mileage, keep your tires properly inflated.
- Keep your car serviced with clean filters and oil for optimum mileage.
- Keep air conditioner use to a minimum.
- Do not let your car idle.
Keep electricity use to a minimum in your home and at work:
- Unplug electronics, such as appliances, and televisions when not in use.
- Keep refrigerator coils clear of obstacles.
- Shut lights off when a room is not in use.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps and save $30 to $40 over the life of the bulb.
- Use a toaster oven rather than a conventional.
Minimize water usage:
- Wash only full loads of dishes. Air-drying dishes can cut energy use by one half.
- Wash only full loads of clothes and air dry.
- Heating water can account for 15% of your energy costs. Install low-flow showerheads and fix leaky faucets.
- Repair leaky faucets. A steady drip of hot water can waste many gallons of water and the energy it takes to heat them.
Keep your home cool in the summer:
- Use ceiling fans and/or window fans to keep air circulating.
- Close blinds in south facing windows during the day.
- Keep central air conditioning at 78 degrees: save 6% to 7% for every degree above 78 degrees.
- Purchase air conditioners with programmable thermostats and install in a north-facing window.
- Keep air conditioners away from lights or other heat sources.
- In the summer install white window shades or blinds to reflect heat away.
Keep your home warm in the winter:
- Purchase a programmable thermostat for heating and cooling and save up to $100 per year. Keep thermostats clear of heat sources such as lamps and television sets.
- Set your heat no higher than 68 degrees* during the day and lower it in the evening.
- Set your water heater between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap it in an insulating blanket; be sure to check the manual and labels on the tank first.
- Make sure your storm windows are in place to keep heat inside.
- Do not block radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies and keep vents clear of dust.
- Keep shades open during the day and closed in the evening to retain heat.
- An open fireplace damper acts like an open window. Close it when not in use, or install tempered glass doors.
- Have your heating system serviced once a year and regularly replace furnace filters and save up to 5% on your heating costs.
- Plug home leaks: install weather-stripping and caulk all doors and windows, and install gaskets behind outlet covers. For less than $20 in materials, you can save 20% of your heating bill.
- Install insulation in crawl spaces, attics, walls, and basements.
- Visit the Department of Energy's web site for additional tips