How Can You Save

How Can you Save
Here are several no- or low-cost weatherization measures homeowners can undertake to reduce their energy use this winter season.
o Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees* or lower, or install a programmable thermostat. Depending on what you set your thermostat at and for how long, you could save 8 percent of your home’s heating energy consumption during the heating season.
*You may need to keep the thermostat set higher than 68 degrees for health reasons if a baby or elderly person is in the house.
Reduce water heater temperature setting.
o Set the water heater temperature as low as possible, but follow manufacturer recommendations for specific appliances.
o Insulate water heaters that are 10 years old and older, and hot water pipes.
Reduce hot water use.
o Install low-flow (two-gallons-per-minute or less) showerheads and faucet aerators.
o Take showers, not baths.
o Repair leaking faucets and water lines.
o Wash full loads of laundry and use cold water.
o Wash full loads of dishes. Select the energy-saver cycle, or simply open the dishwasher door once the cycle is complete to let the dishes air dry.
Let the sunshine in.
o Open the shades and curtains to allow sunlight to warm the inside of your home. Close them at night to help keep warm air in your home.
Clear a Space
o Clean air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, drapes or other items.
“Most of us are familiar with recycle and reusing, but how often do we think of the third R - REDUCE? ‘Reduce’ is probably the most important of the three Rs because, if we reduced, it would limit the need to recycle and reuse.”
Catherine Pulsifer, from The “Reduce” of Recycle and Reuse