Power & Light
These Home Energy Saving Tips will help you determine what you can do to make your home more energy efficient, more comfortable and help you save money.
Heating - Cooling
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Replace the air filters on your central heating system regularly.
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Limit the thermostat control setting for the furnace in the heating season to a maximum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Limit the thermostat control setting for the air conditioner in the cooling season to a minimum of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Consider installation of programmable thermostat to maximize "setback" savings.
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Consider installing ceiling fans.
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Adding reflective film or sun screens to glass areas can result in energy savings when installed on east, south and west exposures.
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Planting trees and shrubs to provide shade while not obstructing natural ventilation can result in energy savings.
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Insulate ductwork and/or piping.
Building "Envelope"
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Insulate attic, outside walls, floors over crawl space, etc.
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Add insulation to attic access panels or pull down stairs.
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Install insulation in gaps around pipes, ducts, fans or other items which enter the attic or exit the house from a conditioned space.
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Install 1 square foot of attic ventilation per 300 square feet of attic space.
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Use outlet and switchplate gaskets to reduce air infiltration.
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Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doors.
Water Heating
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Set water heater thermostats to 115 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit (140 degrees if using a dishwasher not equipped with a temperature booster).
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Replace showerheads and faucets with type limiting flow to 2.5 gallons per minute.
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Reduce use of heater water for clothes washing.
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Turn off electric water heater at breaker or set back gas water heater to "pilot", "vacation", or lowest heat setting when your home is vacant for 2 days or more.
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Replace washers ("O - rings" in washerless faucets) where leaking.
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Install insulating wrap for water heater.
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Insulate hot water pipes.
Refrigerators/Freezers
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Clean refrigerator and freezer coils at least biannually.
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Check the gasket around your refrigerator door. Close the door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out easily just adjust or replace the gasket.
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Use the "power - saver" switch if your refrigerator has one. This turns off little heaters designed to prevent condensation in extremely humid climates.
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Eliminate use of underutilized second refrigerator / freezer and consolidate storage into primary appliance.
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Keep your refrigerator and freezer at the right temperature. The refrigerator should be between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Miscellaneous
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Use LED lights and lighting controls where appropriate.