|
1)
|
Caulk and weather strip windows and exterior doors.
|
|
2)
|
Energy Star appliances are highly efficient machines that reduce the amount of energy
consumed by every day appliances. Look for their seal when shopping for appliances.
|
|
3)
|
Contact a home energy audit service to discover how much energy your home consumes
and how you can make your home more efficient.
|
|
4)
|
Close doors to rooms you are not using. This will help either heat or cool the main
areas of your home more effectively.
|
|
5)
|
Turn off anything that has a switch if you are not using it. The devices also produce
heat, which may make your home warmer.
|
|
6)
|
Use power strips to manage the flow of electricity to electronic devices. They still
use power even when in the 'off' position. Turning a power strip 'off' will reduce
the amount of energy consumed by these electronics when no one is using them.
|
|
7)
|
During summer months, keep your curtains drawn and blinds shut to help keep your
home cool.
|
|
8)
|
During the winter months, keeping your southern and western window shades open help
warm the house.
|
|
9)
|
Fans help move air and are a cost-effective alternative to lowering your thermostat
in the summer months.
|
|
10)
|
Kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans bring outside air in. Turn them off when you
are finished using them, for year round efficiency.
|
|
11)
|
Replace your air filters every three months so dirt doesn't prevent cool air from
entering your home.
|
|
12)
|
Is it time for a new air conditioning unit? If it's more than 15 years old, it may
be time to replace it with an energy efficient model. You could save up to 40% with
a new model.
|
|
13)
|
Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; they use 75% less electricity
and don't produce as much heat.
|
|
14)
|
Screensavers don't save energy; putting your computer to sleep will!
|
|
15)
|
Frost in your freezer does not allow your refrigerator to operate at an optimal
level. Look for refrigerators with moisture control.
|
