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Central heating and cooling systems account for an
average of 56% of home energy use. Schedule an
annual tune-up for your central air conditioner,
heat pump, or furnace. Air conditioners that run
poorly may cause dramatic increases in energy
consumption.
·
Weather-stripping all windows and doors is an
inexpensive way to improve insulation. This will
help reduce energy spent on heating and cooling;
keep inside air in and outside air out.
·
Install a programmable thermostat. Set higher
temperatures during summer months to reduce air
conditioner use while you are at work. Set them
lower during winter months for the same benefit.
·
Change out air filters as often as the manufacturer
recommends, usually monthly. Excess lint in air
filters causes the central air system to work
significantly harder.
·
Do not place lamps, TV sets, or appliances near the
air-conditioning thermostat. Thermostats sense heat
from these, which can cause the air conditioner to
run longer than necessary.
·
There is an incorrect perception that screen savers
reduce energy use by computer monitors. Turning
monitors off or having computers switch to sleep
mode will save much more energy.
·
Turn off computers, faxes, printers, etc. when not
in use. Many people believe these last longer if
never turned off. This common misconception comes
from older mainframe computers.
·
Check power management functions on all computers
and make sure to turn them off at night. Many
laptops use up to 90% less energy than desktop
models, consider switching.
·
Unplug battery chargers when batteries are fully
charged or the chargers are not in use. Battery
chargers draw a small continuous stream of power
whether they are charging something or not.
·
90% of energy used to wash clothes is actually used
by the water heater. Try using cold water.
·
When you leave the room, turn out the lights. You'd
be surprised how many people don't think about it.
If you're not in there, there's no reason for the
lights to be on.
·
Only wash full loads in the dishwasher and use the
shortest cycle that gets your dishes clean. If
operating procedures allow, turn off any heated
drying, open the door and let the dishes air dry.
·
Remember to clean out the clothes dryer’s lint trap
each time the dryer is used. Dirty lint traps force
dryers to work harder. Keep the exhaust line clean
and free of debris to for more efficiency.
·
Install patio covers, awnings, or solar window
screens to shade your home from the sun. For
additional future savings, use strategically planted
trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home.
·
Replace older “incandescent” light bulbs with new
energy efficient LED or CFL bulbs. These new bulbs
emit significantly less heat, last much longer, and
use less energy than older light bulbs.
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