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Energy

Energy Saving Tips

(Courtesy of the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program.)

Reduce Electricity Use

• Run your dishwasher, washer, and dryer during off-peak hours, when power purchases cost less, and only run them when you have full loads.
• Purchase EnergyStar appliances, products, and lights. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

Hot Water Use

• Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees. Just a 10-degree reduction can reduce your energy use by 5 percent.
• To reduce hot water use, fix leaky faucets and install low-flow showerheads and energy-efficient dish and clothes washers.

Lighting

• Utilize compact fluorescent light bulbs, which save up to 7 percent of energy compared to standard incandescent bulbs.
• Install lighting controls such as motion sensors, dimmers, and timers to automatically turn lights on and off as needed.

Windows, Doors, and Skylights

• Add weather-stripping to existing exterior doors to prevent air leakage.
• Caulk around windows to alleviate drafts and keep your home warmer in the winter.

Cooking

• When possible, use microwave ovens rather than electric stoves.

Transportation

• Taking mass transit uses 25 times less energy than a personal vehicle.
• Instead of travelling for business, try teleconferencing; airplanes burn 70 gallons of fuel a minute.