ENERGY CONSERVATION

Below are some conservation suggestions which may be helpful to you.

ELECTRICITY:

  1. 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.
  2. Daylight can supplement artificial light.
  3. Dim lights in areas where a dimming of ten percent is acceptable. Add light sensors to control dimmable fixtures.
  4. Unplug electronics, such as cell phone chargers, that use electricity when not in use.

COMPUTERS:

  1. Power down computers and turn them off at night.
  2. Laptop computers use up to 90% less energy than desktop models.
  3. 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:

  1. Dial down the thermostat. Lower the temperature for heat and hot water. This works in reverse in warm weather by dialing up the thermostat.
  2. Close of rooms not being used.
  3. Clean or replace air filters. Dirty filters cause units to work harder than necessary.
  4. Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.
  5. Install high efficiency double-pane windows that are gas-filled.
  6. 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.

  1. Keep freezers full to decrease the amount of power used. Put ice in bags to fill it up.
  2. Cool food before freezing it.
  3. Wrap food properly to avoid condensation.
  4. Keep refrigerators at least 3/4 full. Add containers of water, if necessary.
  5. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
  6. Label foods to avoid spending time searching.

WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS AND DISH WASHING MACHINES:

  1. Use cold water in washing machines whenever possible.
  2. Run washing machines only when full.
  3. Make sure clothes dryers' outside vents are clear and clean the lint filter after every load.
  4. New dryers should have a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
  5. Run dishwashers only when full.

WATER:

  1. Install faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads to cut water heating costs cut water use.

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