~Energy Saving Tips~

Ways to Save $$$ on Your Electric Bill...

1. Wear appropriate clothing. Put on a sweater, or curl up under a blaket. Turn down the thermostat.

2. Harness the sun. Open the south facing window shades and drapes during the day and
close them at night.

3. Turn off lights when you leave the room.

4. Unplug items when they are not in use to keep them from using energy.

5. Plug up the big gaps. Seal cracks, especially around the windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping. Install storm windows.

6. Remember to change furnance filters monthly.

7. Look for the ENERGY STAR and Energy Guide labels. ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to help consumers identify energy-efficent applicances and products.

8. Give your computer a rest. Your computer's sleep mode (if activated) will let you power it down when sitting idle ~ Which can save $25
to $75 per year in energy costs. Or you can just simply turn off the computer and monitor when they are not is use.

9. Make your ceiling fans do the work. Most fans have a switch that lets you reverse the motor. The resulting updraft forces warm air
near the ceiling down to where it can make you and your family feel more comfortable.

10. STOP air movement. Close the fireplace damper when it is not being used. Check our dryer vent cap to make sure it closes tightly when it
is not being used. Use ventilating fans sparingly.

11. Add a barrier. Install or increase the amount of insulation, paying special attention to the attic and basement where the biggest gaps and
cracks are lurking.

12. Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters,and radiators as needed.

13. Replace all "non-reading" lights with lower wattage light bulbs or possibly the new "energy plus" bulbs for even more savings over time.

14. Turn off stove and oven a few minutes before time is up. Residual heat will finish the job perfectly.

More Ways to Save $$$ on Utilities...

1. Check to make sure none of the faucets & spigots in your household are leaking/dripping. A slow dripping faucet can accumulate over two gallons per hour.

2. Leave the faucet OFF when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. ONLY turn it on when needed.

3. Lower the temperature on your gas water heater.

4. Set the washer to cold. Use cold water to wash your clothes and save 50% of the energy you would otherwise use for hot water.

5. Set your dryer on the moisture sensor, not the timer, and cut energy use by 15%.

6. Water your outdoor plants in the early morning before the can burn off moisture. Take care not to overwater. Before starting your sprinkler, step on the grass. If the blades spring back, hold off on watering for a day or two. The average lawn needs only one hour of watering a week.

7. Lower your water temperature. Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your heater does not have a temperature gauge, dial down until the water feels, not scalding.