Low and No Cost Energy Savings Tips
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Education and Outreach
Low and No Cost Energy Savings Tips
Putting these energy saving tips to practice will save you money and allow you to save or spend money on other things which may be more important to you.
Based on average household energy use, the chart below will help you to prioritize the areas to focus on to get the most bang for your buck
Eliminate air leaks
• Caulk windows and gaps in attic
• Weather strip doors and windows
• Install door sweeps
• Stop air flow around switch plates and electrical sockets
• Close fireplace damper when not in use
• Insulate roof and walls of home
Improve windows
• Install double paned windows or cover single paned windows
with plastic
• Let sunshine in on winter days
• Close your drapes and blinds on cold nights to keep drafts out
• Use window coverings
Thermostat use
• Keep your thermostat at or below 68 degrees; setting your
thermostat three degrees lower in the winter can reduce your bill
by about 10 percent.
• Wear warm clothes inside.
• Lower the temperature when active or going to bed.
• Turn off air conditioner and use fan
• Set air conditioner at 78 degrees
• Install programmable thermostat
Reducing furnace energy use
• Clean or replace furnace filters regularly throughout the heating season
• Have heating contractor inspect and service furnace annually
• Keep your warm air registers or baseboard heaters free from
obstruction
• Don’t heat unoccupied rooms
Reducing energy use in the kitchen
• Use microwave, pressure cooker, electric pans, or toaster oven for
smaller meals.
• In warm weather, cook outdoors on a grill.
• Take advantage of residual heat by turning the oven or burners off
a few minutes before you’re done cooking.
• Match the size of pans to the size of burners.
• Boil water in teakettle instead of open pan.
• Don’t put foil on oven racks.
• Choose glass or ceramic baking dishes.
Reducing Refrigerator and Freezer Energy Use
• Set your refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees and your freezer
between 0 and 5 degrees.
• Don’t leave the doors standing open.
• Keep your food covered.
• Cool hot foods before you put them in the refrigerator.
• Keep your condenser coils clean.
• Buy the smallest unit possible to fit your needs.
How to Use Water Most Efficiently
• Set your water heater at 120 degrees.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Take shorter showers.
• Use a front-loading washing machine and check the ENERGY STAR
label.
• Wash clothes in cold water and hang them on a line to dry.
• Run only full loads. That goes for clothes and dishes too.
• Let you your dishes air dry or dry them by hand.< /p>
Other Energy Saving Tips
• Install high-efficiency, compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of
incandescent wherever possible.
• Turn off your lights, televisions, computers and other electrical
appliances when not in use.
• Plug electronics into a power strip and turn power strip off when
not in use, to prevent phantom loads.
• Use automatic timers to automate lights when you’re away.
• Remove dryer lint with each new load, and don’t over-dry clothes.
More Resources and Tips
For further energy saving tips, please visit the following provided web sites
BPA – Energy Efficiency / How to Save Energy
