Take control of your thermostat
By adjusting your thermostat to a warmer setting in summer and a cooler setting in winter, you may conserve energy and help lower your utility bill. Here are some fun facts you can incorporate in your heating & cooling routine!
- To conserve energy, you may want to set your thermostat at or below 70°F during the day and 65°F at night during the winter months. In the summer, set your air conditioner at or above 78°F during the day and to 80°F at night.
- Make sure all the windows and doors in your house are closed before turning on either the furnace or air conditioner.
- Can you feel or hear the wind coming in through your windows or doors, even when they are shut? If you can feel a draft, use rope caulk or weather stripping to prevent air from coming in or going out.
- Make the most out of the air in your house by installing a fan. In the summer months, the fan should spin counter-clockwise to keep you cool. In the winter, put it in reverse and spin the fan to the right.
- Keep the vents in your home clear. It helps use less energy to get warm or cool air into a room when the vents are not blocked.
- Change the air filters in your home regularly to keep your heating and cooling systems running more efficiently. Neglecting this necessary maintenance may cause a steady decline in air conditioning and heater performance.
- Have a yard? You may choose to landscape it with shade trees. You could save on your energy bill and contribute to better air quality. Shade trees are both a beautiful and cost-effective way to lower your energy use.
All savings tips are derived from ENERGY STAR® and Energy.gov.
Don't let your savings go down the drain
It takes energy to heat water, clean water, and bring the water to our homes. Water is a vital resource to our planet and our health. Read on to learn simple ways to help conserve both water and energy!
- Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.
- Only wash clothes when you have a full load and use cold water for the wash.
- While rinsing produce or waiting for the water to warm up, collect the water that would otherwise run down the drain and use it to water houseplants.
- Set the timer and take short, five-minute showers instead of baths.
- Water plants when it is coolest outside. Just like watering your lawn during the hottest time of day, the water you feed your plants will also evaporate when it is hot out. Water first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night.
- Install hose nozzles on your outside hoses to prevent water from being wasted. To help save more water, turn off the hose while you wash your car.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway, back patio, or sidewalk.
All savings tips are derived from ENERGY STAR® and Energy.gov.
Cut down on your use
All of the appliances in your home cost money to run, but there are steps you may be able to take to cut down on your usage and conserve energy, all at the same time.
- Use your major appliances, like the washing machine and dishwasher, during nonpeak hours. For example, during summer months, washing your clothes after 8 p.m. may save energy, water, and money.
- Turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle and let the dishes air dry.
- Even if you are using the appliances in your home the most efficient way, they could still be costing your family more money and energy than necessary. Replace your old, inefficient appliances with those that have the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR-certified products tend to use less energy and may save your family money in operating costs.
- Clean the dryer lint trap after every load and wait to do laundry until you have a full load.
- Help to conserve energy tonight by cooking dinner on the grill instead of in the oven or on the stove top.
- Did you know your small appliances continue to drain energy even after they are turned off? To avoid spending energy on your appliances that are off, be sure to unplug your computer, TV, CD players, video game consoles, and other small appliances from their power source.
- If you have a fireplace in your home, check to see if the damper is open or closed. A damper left open when the heating or cooling system is on may allow heated or cooled air to escape up the chimney.
All savings tips are derived from ENERGY STAR® and Energy.gov.
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