‘’HOME SAVE HOME’’ TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY

A few steps that you can follow with no sweat. It is not like going to the gym and burning those calories and getting no results. These sections provide you with no-cost and low-cost options and tips to increase your energy awareness and help you to reduce your monthly electricity bill.

1. NO-COST WAYS OF SAVING MONEY AND ENERGY

• Turn off everything not in use: lights, TVs, computers, etc.
• During hot months, keep curtains closed on the north, east, and west windows. In winter, let the sun in and at sunset you can close the curtains to keep that nice warmth in your house.
• Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down when not in use for a while.
• Turn off equipment during longer periods of non-use to cut energy costs and improve longevity.
• When cooking, keep the lids on pots. Better yet, use a microwave oven instead.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Use an extra blanket on the bed during winter time.
• In summer, use fans whenever possible instead of air conditioners, and ventilate at night this way when practical. Fans cost less to use than air conditioners.
  
• Check the furnace or air conditioner filter each month, and clean or replace it as needed. Dirty filters block air flow through your heating and cooling systems, increasing your energy bill and shortening the equipment’s life.
  
• About 15 percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers instead of baths. Do only full loads when using the clothes washer or dishwasher. Use cold water for laundry and save costs.
  
• Only heat or cool the rooms you need—close vents and doors of unused rooms.
  
  

Only heat or cool the rooms you need - close vents and doors of unused rooms.