Help

Thermostat

In the winter, it is recommended that you set your thermostat to 68 degrees during waking hours. When you go to bed or leave the house you should decrease the temperature a few degrees to keep your energy usage under control. You can save as much as 10% on your energy usage by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. You choose the 8 hours.

Oven

Check on food through the oven window instead of opening the door. Opening the oven decreases the temperature inside by 25 degrees and extends cook time. Opt for using the microwave whenever possible. Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens, and they create way less heat so you can also save on air conditioning cost.

Refrigerator

To keep your refrigerator cool and your energy usage down make sure the condenser coils are not being suffocated by dust bunnies. Replace the rubber seal on the door if you notice cold air is escaping and keep your refrigerator clean so you can quickly get the items you need and close the door without affecting the temp. You can also help the inside temperature stay down by allowing leftovers to cool before you store them.

Windows

Check to make sure you can’t feel any air leaks around your windows. To help stop any air leaks, use caulk and/or weather stripping. It is always a good idea to replace old windows with energy efficient window, but that is not always possible. Instead add solar control film, which not only helps keep inside your home cooler, it can also help reduce sun damage to interior furniture and floors.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help you save money if you also do a few things along with using the ceiling fans. Don’t run the air conditioner if you don’t need to or increase the temp on the ac, when ceiling fans are making the room feel comfortable. Unoccupied rooms don’t need to have the ceiling fan on, turn them off and save money.

Dishwasher

Only run your dishwasher when it is full to keep from washing money down the drain. Most dishwashers sold today do not require you to prewash everything. Save time and money by learning how to properly load your machine so it can clean without a prewash and opt to air dry instead of using the heated dry setting.

Laundry

Keep your electric usage from spinning out of control and wash with cold water, and only when you have a full load. Use the high-speed spin cycle to reduce dry time. Dry heavy cotton items separately so you can use a lower heat setting to dry everything else. Finally, don’t forget to empty the lint trap after every load.

Air Conditioning

Heating and cooling your home attributes to 40-50% of your energy usage. To keep your AC unit running in the most energy efficient way, replace or clean the unit’s filter. When the filter becomes dirty the airflow is reduced putting added stress on the unit which will use more power to do its job.