Nora Rhoades - Family and Youth Development Agent
Saving
energy and money go hand-in-hand. The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has
identified 12 simple ways consumers can save both. For more energy saving
information, visit energysaver.gov or energystar.gov.
1)
Air Dry – Air dry dishes
instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
2)
Turn It Off – Use timers and
motion detectors to turn off lights. Unplug TV entertainment systems when
travelling (use power strips for easy on/off switching), and don’t leave your
computer and monitor on needlessly.
3)
Don’t Get Burned with
Hot Water
– Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F. Water heaters are the
second highest source of home energy use.
4)
Fill It Up, Please – Wash only full
loads of dishes and clothes.
5)
Keep ‘Em Clean – Check furnace,
heat pump, and AC filters once a month, replace regularly. Dirty filters can
increase energy costs and damage equipment.
6)
Get a Check Up – Get your heating
system checked once a year. A licensed professional will make sure that your
system is operating efficiently and safely.
7)
Stop the Breeze – Caulk and
weather-strip around drafty doors and windows.
8)
Get an Audit – Your utility
company may offer free energy audits that can identify expensive energy losses
in your basement, unfinished rooms, attics and leaky ductwork. Sealing your
ducts can give big savings on energy bills.
9)
Take a Walk – Circle your home
with an easy-to-use spray foam insulation. Look for openings and gaps around
pipes, chimneys, lights, windows, and brick and cement work.
10) Get with the Program – Install a programmable thermostat
which automatically adjusts the temperature during the day or at night, keeping
you from forgetting as you dash off to work. This can save you up to $100 a
year.
11) Stay Bright – As “old-school” incandescent light bulbs
burn out, replace them with new, light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) and save
about $90 a year in electricity costs. You pay more up-front, but shop around,
prices are dropping. They use up to 25% less energy and can last up to
twelve times longer.
12) Be a Star – Look for products and appliances that have
earned the ENERGY STAR label. They meet strict new energy efficiency criteria
that will reduce your utility bills and help the environment. For example, an
ENERGY STAR clothes washer uses about 40% less water and 25% less energy than
standard models.
