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residential
energy-saving tips
follow
these tips to save on energy costs:
- Install
these energy-efficient measures:
- Replace
and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase
energy-efficient models. Units only 10 years can
use twice as much as electricity as a new ENERGY
STAR® labeled model.
- Insulate
ceilings to R-30 standards if your attic has less
than R-19.
- Caulk
windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do
not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust
pipes.
- Weatherstrip
around windows and doors.
- Wrap
heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use
mastic sealant.
- Install
energy-saver showerheads.
- When
buying new appliances, be sure to purchase
energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
- Set
the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the
air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher,
health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy
is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68
degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set
below 78 degrees.
- If
your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it
with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient
model.
- Use
compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting
bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage
compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.
- Replace
old windows with new high performance dual pane
windows.
- Clean
or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters
regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.
- Set
the water heater thermostat at 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. Follow the
manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to
extend the life of your unit.
- Fix
defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single
dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of
water a month. That not only increases water bills,
but also increases the gas or electric bill for
heating the water.
- Wash
only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest
cycle that will get your dishes clean. If operating
instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the
drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry
naturally.
- Defrost
refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes
1/4-inch thick.
- Install
shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south
and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open
shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.
- Close
the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try
not to use the fireplace and central heating system at
the same time.
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