There are a number of easy steps that can be taken to reduce your energy expenses each month. The following is a list of easy steps you can take to reduce your energy bill each month.
- Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
- Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
- Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Visit www.energysavers.gov for more energy-saving ideas.
(Information from the Energy Savers Booklet published by the U.S. Department of Energy.)
The full version can be viewed at: www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf
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