Energy Saving Tips
- –Consider window fans, ceiling fans or whole-house fans, which use much less power, as an alternative to air conditioners.
- –Close your blinds, shades or draperies during the hottest part of the day.
- –Cool only the rooms you are using. Close off unused rooms.
- –Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. They give off less heat and use as much as 75% less energy than regular bulbs.
- –Shut off your air conditioner if you leave home for an extended period of time.
- –Air conditioners work to remove humidity, so moisture-making jobs such as: dishwashing laundry and bathing should be done either early morning or at night when it’s cooler.
- –When buying new appliances, look at the yellow Energy Guide label and buy only energy-efficient appliances
- –Shade the outdoor air conditioning unit if possible. A unit in the sun will use up to 5% more energy than one in the shade.–Use natural lighting when possible and turn off lights.
- –Enable “power management” on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop uses up to 90% less energy than desktop models.
- –Plug all radios, cell phone and MP3 chargers, fans and other personal electronics into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use. “Standby power” usage can account for up to 30 percent of your home electronics energy.
- –Activate “sleep” features on computers and office equipment that power down while on, when not in use for awhile. Turn them off altogether during long periods of non-use to cut utility costs and extend longevity.
- –When using the electric range, plan ahead and cook a number of dishes or meals for later use. Open oven doors only when necessary.
- –Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is opened. Every time the refrigerator door opens 30% of the cold air escapes.
- –In the freezer keep all liquids tightly covered. Uncovered liquids evaporate causing a frost-free system to work harder.
- Side by side refrigerator/freezers mostly use more energy than a top or bottom freezer unit. And upright freezers will use more energy than a chest type freezer.
