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
See more home energy info...
Cornell Human Ecology Housing Fact Sheets on energy conservation,
home environment, home maintenance and repair, home buying and selling,
and heating, ventilation and air conditioning http://www.cce.cornell.edu/housing/
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