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Cooling Tips
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Adjust the setting to 78-80 degrees
Fahrenheit.
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Check & clean the air condition
filters at least once a month.
- Keep the coils of an outdoor unit
free of debris this include cutting back and/or removing plants,
shrubs, etc.
- Make sure that the return air vent
inside your house is not blocked by furniture or other items.
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Of course, keep all doors and windows
closed when air conditioning is on.
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Carefully caulk and/or put
weather-strip around leaky windows and doors.
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Install a ceiling fan or use a
portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. The "breeze" from
these fans will make you feel cooler.
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Heating Tips
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Adjust the setting to 68-70 degrees.
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Check & clean the air condition
filters at least once a month.
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Call a professional to inspect your your heating system
annually.
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Call a professional to inspect and
clean your ductwork
annually.
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If you have a fireplace, make sure
that the damper is closed tightly
when not is use.
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Reverse the direction of ceiling fan
blades to push warmer air down.
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Apply plastic sheeting or storm
windows over old or leaking windows.
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Unless you have a gas or oil furnace,
which needs air for combustion – keep crawl space vents closed in
the winter.
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If you plan to be away for several
days, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting, but not off
(to help limit the possibility of freezing pipes).
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Using a portable heater for “spot”
heating lets you lower the temperature in the rest of the house, but
using it too much can be costly.
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Lower the thermostat at night. A
programmable thermostat make raise and lower temperature easy.
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Water Heater Energy Tips
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Set your water heater thermostat to
120 degrees.
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Take showers instead of baths, saving
on a average of 4-5 gallons of water.
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Wash clothes using cold water with a
cold water detergent.
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Run your dishwashers only when you
have a full load.
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Wrap hot water pipes with a low-cost insulation.
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Household Energy Tips
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When in doubt microwave because
microwave ovens use about half the power of a conventional oven.
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If you have to use the oven, remember
to turn it off 15-20 minutes
before the end of cooking time. Don't open the door because the heat in the oven will
finish the job.
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When the food on the burner begins to
boil, turn it down to a simmer. At this low setting, the food more evenly and saves
energy.
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Put your computer to sleep. Activate
your computer and monitor's power management features to power down
when sitting idle.
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Replace incandescent bulbs with
compact fluorescent lights whenever possible.
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Place insulators behind the electrical
outlet cover plates to prevent air loss.
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Unplug your cell phone and PDA
chargers once they’re done charging because they continue to draw
energy even after the device is fully charged.
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Remember to turn off lights when
leaving a room.
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Buy Energy Star appliances.
- Don't run exhaust fans for more than
20 minutes.
- Install low flow showerheads (VIDEO
- How to install a low-flow showerhead (open new window)
- Limit shower time to 10 minutes or
less.
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Install a setback thermostat and
reduce your home temperature when you are gone.
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Shrubs and trees around your house
shade the windows in summer and protect from
chilly winds in winter.
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Consider using an electric blanket
instead of a space heater
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Install full blinds or drapes to
make the home more comfortable in summer. Open them in winter to
use solar energy as an additional heat source.
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Caulk and seal any gaps underneath
baseboards to prevent indoor air from leaking out.
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Solar Systems
- Install solar panels - Both federal
and state tax credits can certainly reduce the initial costs.
- Install solar-powered swimming pool
heater
- Lower your water heating bill
significantly by installing a solar-powered water heater.
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