ENERGY CONSERVATION
Below are some conservation suggestions which may be helpful to you.
ELECTRICITY:
- Energy-efficient lighting uses less energy and generates less heat. Reduce lighting loads with fluorescent and LED technology. Compact fluorescents use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Daylight can supplement artificial light.
- Dim lights in areas where a dimming of ten percent is acceptable. Add light sensors to control dimmable fixtures.
- Unplug electronics, such as cell phone chargers, that use electricity when not in use.
COMPUTERS:
- Power down computers and turn them off at night.
- Laptop computers use up to 90% less energy than desktop models.
- Screen savers do not reduce energy consumption by monitors. It's more efficient to manually turn a monitor off or switch it to sleep mode.
HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING:
- Dial down the thermostat. Lower the temperature for heat and hot water. This works in reverse in warm weather by dialing up the thermostat.
- Close of rooms not being used.
- Clean or replace air filters. Dirty filters cause units to work harder than necessary.
- Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.
- Install high efficiency double-pane windows that are gas-filled.
- Plug air leaks around windows and doors. Caulk and weather-strip seams, cracks, and openings.
REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS:
Refrigerators account for 8% of home energy use. Make them more energy efficient by changing the way food is stored.
- Keep freezers full to decrease the amount of power used. Put ice in bags to fill it up.
- Cool food before freezing it.
- Wrap food properly to avoid condensation.
- Keep refrigerators at least 3/4 full. Add containers of water, if necessary.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Label foods to avoid spending time searching.
WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS AND DISH WASHING MACHINES:
- Use cold water in washing machines whenever possible.
- Run washing machines only when full.
- Make sure clothes dryers' outside vents are clear and clean the lint filter after every load.
- New dryers should have a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
- Run dishwashers only when full.
WATER:
- Install faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads to cut water heating costs cut water use.