Residential Energy Efficiency : Energy Saving Tips for Fall

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR FALL

Did you know that the typical U.S. Family spends close to $1,300 a year on home's utility bills? Where do your home energy dollars go? 44% are used on heating and cooling, 33% on lighting and cooking, 14% on water heating and 9% on refrigeration. There are several simple actions you can take to save energy and save dollars this fall.

· Lighting- Turn off lights when not in use, even for just a minute. Replace your most-used incandescents with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer.

· Water Heating- Set water heater to the lowest temperature that provides you sufficient hot water. Wrap your older model water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it is in an unheated area.

· Thermostats- Set your heating thermostat at 68degrees or lower by day and put on a sweater if you feel chilly. Use an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature of your home when you are away and don't forget to clean or replace furnace filters regularly.

· Cooking- Pre-heat only for baking. Avoid opening the oven to check progress. Turn oven off before food is done and use retained heat to finish cooking. Use microwave whenever possible---it saves energy.

· Clothes Washers- replace your clothes washer with an ENERGY STAR model when it is time. They use 50% less water and 70% less energy and that adds up to $100 every year. Run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher only with a full load.

· Refrigerators- upgrade your refrigerator if it is 10 years old or older. Refrigerators use more energy than any appliance in your home. Vacuum refrigerator coils at least twice a year.

· Bathing- showers use much less hot water than baths. Install energy saving low flow showerheads and flow restrictors. And fix leaks to save energy and save water.

· Weatherproofing- Don't let air escape that you've paid to heat or cool. Caulk and weather-strip to reduce air leakage around doors and windows, baseboards, and whereever pipes, wires, and vents enter a house.

Submitted by: Linda Law-Saunders
Source: NYSEG Energy Saver Wheel
Home Improvement Tips: ENERGY STAR Program