Turn off appliances that
are not in use especially high definition
televisions. If there is no one watching it you
are just wasting energy. When turning it off
turn the on / off switch off. It may be
convenient to just hit the remote and the
television comes to life on your favorite
channel but you are using a lot of power for
that convenience.
When replacing appliances
always buy Energy Star rated energy efficient
appliances. The energy star rating system is an
international program and standard that helps
homeowners be more energy efficient. However,
not all appliances have energy star ratings.
Keep your heating and cooling thermostat
at a comfortable setting without over doing it
and turn off the heat and air conditioning when
no one is at home. Purchase a programmable
thermostat so you can program it to the lowest
setting at night or during known periods of
absence.
Use small appliances such as a microwave
or toaster oven to heat or cook food for small
meals rather than heating up a large oven.
Replace regular incandescent light bulbs
with compact florescent light bulbs (CFL’s). On
average these energy saving bulbs use 75% less
power.
If you live in a warm climate where air
conditioning is necessary, use sun block window
covering such as heavy drapes to keep the cool
air in and the warm air out. A great deal of
heat lost occurs by heat radiations through the
window glass.
Check window and doors for air leaks. Seal
any gaps or cracks where air can migrate in or
out. A rolled up towel placed in front of a
door or sliding glass window will help block
air infiltration.
If your refrigerator or freezer door seal
is leaking cold air replace it. Replacement
seals can be purchased at most home improvement
centers or hardware store.
If you have an old hot water heater
consider covering it with a thermo blanket to
retain the heat.
Replace your hot air
furnace filters at least twice during the
heating season.
Reduce your dryer usage by
hanging out laundry to dry or use a drying
rack. Always clean the lint trap before each
load.
If you do not have carpeted
floors use area carpets to keep floors warm.
If your dish washer has “an
energy save air dry” option use it for drying
the dishes. Dish washer driers use a lot of
energy just to dry the dishes.
Fix leaky faucets, especially hot water
faucets. It will save on water cost and the
cost of heating the hot water.
