Easy, Low-Cost Energy-Saving Tips

In spring

•Window air conditioner. Seal around the unit so cool air cannot escape.

•Central air conditioner. Hose off the outdoor condensing unit to remove dirt and leaves. Get professional service for your central air every two years. Choose a qualified contractor.

•Furnace filter. If it's dirty, replace it. Check every month, more often if needed.

•Dehumidifier. Vacuum dust and dirt from the coils and fan.

•Lawn mower. Replace your gas-powered lawn mower with a non-polluting manual or electric mower.

•Air-dried laundry. Put up a clothesline for drying laundry outside to avoid heating the house with your clothes dryer.

•Shade. Plant a deciduous shade tree to the south or west of your home to keep it cooler.

•Check gutters and downspouts. Make sure they drain away from the house to reduce moisture around your home’s foundation.

Laundry

•Dry clothes on a clothesline instead of in a dryer.

•Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load. Dry faster and save money.

•Wash clothes in cold water. Save 10 to 20 cents per load.

Lighting

•Replace most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with fluorescent. Save two-thirds of lighting costs.

•Use photo-eye and timer fixtures or timers on outdoor lights. Save energy.

•Turn lights off when not in use—100 watts for 10 hours costs 12 cents.

Water heating

•Set water heater at 120°F to 125°F. Save money and prevent scalding.

•Insulate pre-1990 water heaters, especially electric heaters. Pays for itself in six months.

•Install a low-flow showerhead. Save on water and heating costs.

Refrigerator

•Unplug second refrigerator or freezer if not needed. Save $5 to $15 per month.

•Use the anti-sweat switch only when needed.

In summer

•Use shades and drapes to block out direct sun during the day.

•Cook outside or with a microwave oven instead of a stove. Save money and improve comfort.

•Use a whole house fan, room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning.

•Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher.

•Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. To control cooling times:

◦Use a programmable thermostat for central air. Save 10 to 35 cents per hour.

◦Use a timer for room air conditioners. Save 5 to 15 cents per hour.

•Put compact fluorescent bulbs in your most-used fixtures and lamps. Fluorescent bulbs put out less heat, plus you will save $30 to $40 over the life of each bulb.

•Unplug second refrigerator if not needed. Save $5 to $10 per month.

•Turn off appliances including computers and televisions when not in use.

In winter

•Lower the thermostat at night and when you're away, if health permits (55°F lowest setting). Save 1% for every 1°F temperature decrease for an eight-hour setback. Check the owner's manual if turning down the temperature for more than 24 hours.

Thermostat Setback
•Check furnace filter monthly and replace as needed to maintain furnace efficiency.

•Seal around sewer vent pipe in basement and attic to keep in heated air.

•Close fireplace damper after fire is out to stop drafts and save money.

•Let the sun in during the day to reduce heating costs.

•Close drapes and shades at night to save money and improve comfort.