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30 Energy Saving Tips
  1. Use compact florescent bulbs to save money on the lighting portion of your energy bill. Also known as CFLs, these bulbs last far longer than incandescent lighting.
  2. Make sure air is not leaking out from around your windows and doors. Caulk and weather strip to make sure you have a tight seal.
  3. Clean your clothes dryer lint trap after each use to help the machine run more efficiently.
  4. Make sure you have the most energy efficient water heater in your home. Those purchased prior to 1994 may be costing you more than a newer model. Look for Energy Star rated appliances.
  5. When washing dishes or clothes, make sure you process a full load to save energy.
  6. During the summer, when your fireplace is not in use, be sure you close the damper.
  7. Check to make sure you have enough insulation in your attic, ceilings and walls. If not, adding more can make an effective barrier against summer heat and winter cold.
  8. Set your cooling thermostat as high as comfort will permit. The higher the setting, the more energy you will save.
  9. When using the dishwasher, soak or pre-wash only in cases of burned-on or dried-on foods.
  10. When cooking on a range top, make sure you use the appropriate burner for the size of your pot and make sure the bottom of your pot is flat, so it absorbs more heat.
  11. Close window coverings during the summer to keep your room cool. Open them at night to allow heat to escape.
  12. Plant trees and shade bushes on the south side of your home to help keep the heat of the sun from warming up the walls and roof.
  13. Fix dripping and defective plumbing. It’s helpful to select one or two days a year to inspect all of your home’s plumbing fixtures – inside and out.
  14. Avoid running hot water to clean your razor while shaving. Then you will not have the expense of warming more water in your water heater.
  15. Use a microwave instead of an oven, when possible, to keep your kitchen from heating up. Also, microwaves use less than half of the power of ovens and cook for a shorter period of time.
  16. Use “task lighting” over desks so you can work without lighting the entire room.
  17. Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. It takes less energy to keep the food cold when there is less space and therefore less air to cool. Jugs of water can help fill up unused space.
  18. Make sure outdoor lighting is turned off during the daytime. One way to make this easier is to install a timer or a photoelectric control.
  19. When using a clothes dryer, refrain from overdrying clothes. Once they’re dry, they’re dry.
  20. Try and use appliances that create heat during the night, so they don’t add to heat with which your home contends during the day.
  21. Clean lighting fixtures regularly. Dust on lamps and reflectors impairs lighting efficiency.
  22. Make a list of snack foods available for children and post it on the refrigerator. That way they can decide what to eat before opening the door and less cool air will escape.
  23. Wash or rinse clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot.
  24. Install energy-efficient showerheads. The less hot water you use, the less your water heater has to run to keep it warm.
  25. Do not keep a freezer or refrigerator in an unairconditioned area such as a garage or carport. They are much less efficient when running outside.
  26. Have your air conditioning tested for duct leaks at least once a year. If the air leaks into your attic, a lot of energy will be wasted.
  27. Teach children to turn lights and fans off as they leave a room.
  28. Use a fan to help the air feel up to 10 degrees cooler.
  29. Allow hot liquids or food to cool before refrigerating. Then your refrigerator will not have to work as hard to keep the temperature cold.
  30. Install storm doors at all entrances of your home to reduce air infiltration when your door is opened. It will also act as a buffer and reduce heat transfer through the main door when they are both closed.