12 Things You Can Do Right Now.
April 6, 2010
- Lower your thermostat at night and whenever the house is unoccupied. If you set your thermostat back at night 10 degrees, you may reduce your heating bill by 10%. Better yet, install an automatic setback thermostat that adjusts room temperature according to your daily schedule. Heat pump systems use a special thermostat.
- Lower the thermostat on your electric water heater to 120 (F) degrees. Turn it off when leaving for extended periods. Electric water heaters can be set on timers; gas heaters must be set manually.
- Set refrigerator temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees (F). Clean the coils. Keep both the refrigerator and freezer stocked; it takes more energy to cool it when empty.
- Wash full loads of dishes and air dry.
- When washing clothes, use warm or cold water and rinse with cold. Air dry clothes, but not indoors as this creates unwanted mold and moisture problems.
- Shut off lights, computers and other electronic appliances when not in use.
- Always use the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking to avoid moisture problems.
- Close your fireplace damper and seal the opening shut when not in use.
- Install foam gaskets behind electric-outlet and switch-plate covers.
- Install do-it-yourself weather stripping and caulking to seal air leaks. Seal all perimeter wall penetrations and ceiling and floor penetrations. Use door sweeps
- Use motion sensors or timers for outdoor lighting. You’ll still have security and save energy.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs in common areas (where lights are on most often) with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). They use about a quarter of the energy.
