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Energy demands are HIGH -
it's time to make some changes at home!
Winter is almost here, so take time now to prepare
for the cold days ahead. With just a few adjustments, you can save energy
this winter, help the environment and save money!
- Window Care - Use insulating window coverings and keep them
closed during the cold nights. Savings: 8-15 percent of space heating
costs. Turn your heat down when you're using your fireplace.
- Replace your bulbs - You can lower your lighting bill by
converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent light and
fixtures.
- Maintain filters - Replace or clean air conditioner filters
regularly.
- Reset water heater temperature - Set the water heater to 140
degrees or "normal" if you have a dishwasher. Otherwise, set it at 120
degrees or "low." Check your dishwasher to see if you can use 120 degree
water.
- Water heater wrap - Wrap your water heater with a water
heater blanket, especially if it's in an unheated area of your home. You
could save up to 10% on water heating costs.
- Thermostat temperatures - set the furnace thermostat to 68
degrees or lower. Three to five percent more energy is used for each
degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees.
- Use a "smart" thermostat - After buying your energy-efficient
furnance, use it wisely. Install a programmable thermostat so
it isn't on all day when you're away. Schedule it to turn on one
hour before you come home so you don't waste one cent of heat.
- Waste not - Unplug and recycle your older second refrigerator
and save as much as $160 annually.
- Refrigerator/Freezer: Keep the coils (on the back or the
bottom of the appliance) clean.
- Keep it full - Operate your dishwasher with full loads and
air-dry dishes on the "energy saver" setting. If the manufacturer's
instructions permit, open the door of the dishwasher at the end of the
last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
- Range vs. Oven - Cook on range-top burners when practical
instead of in the oven.
- Microwaves Save - Use the microwave for reheating and cooking
small quantities of food.
- Rearrange furniture - locate your furnace vents. If
they are hidden under sofas and chairs, heat is getting blocked
before it reaches the rest of the room. Expose the vents by moving the
furniture, or purchase inexpensive plastic deflectors to direct heat into your living space.
- Turn off the fans - When you use bathroom and kitchen fans,
it sucks heat out which makes your furnace work
overtime. Only use the fans when needed, then turn them off.
- Close the damper - When the fireplace is not in use, keep the
damper closed!
- Insulate, insulate, insulate - You can cut your heating costs
up to 25 percent simply by installing proper ceiling insulation to at
least R-30 standards. Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts. This
insulation will not only keep heat from escaping, but will also make
your home more comfortable.
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