Consumer Tips for Conserving Energy
- Keep your thermostat at 70 degrees during the heating season.
- Raise your cooling thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer.
- Clean and replace filters often.
- Cover window air conditioning units during the winter.
- Cover the openings of unused fireplaces.
- Open draperies and shades in sunny windows on cold days. Keep them
closed at night to prevent heat from escaping.
- Use warm or cold water for washing clothes where you can and always
use cold water to rinse.
- Run the dryer at night in the summer so its warmth isn't released
during the heat of the day.
- Clear the lint screen after each load for quick drying.
- Take shorter showers and install water saving shower heads.
- Turn off the water faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Use long life, lower wattage light bulbs.
- Change from Incandescent to Fluorescent lights when possible.
- Use the dishwasher only when full.
- If you need a new appliance, always shop for the most energy efficient.
- Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator at least every three months.
The dirt build-up makes the refrigerator work harder to keep the contents
cool and therefore uses more energy.
- Weather strip around all exterior doors and openings.
- Insulate hot water piping.
- Repair any leaky faucets.
- Install storm or thermal windows and doors.
- Remember that is important not to have lamps, televisions or other
heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat - heat from these
sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.
- Check to ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking
ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely.
- Do your cooking, showering, washing, clothes drying and ironing in
the morning or the evening when the temperatures are cooler.