ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR HOMES PART2

Most of the energy used at home, 45%, comes fromheating and cooling systems.

This is a continuation on energy saving tips for homes. Saving electricity in homes not only brings down the monthly bill of the consumer but also helps the electric distribution utility delay its construction of another capacity like substations since the power demand are kept to an enough level. This energy saving tips will help many people lower their monthly electrical consumption.

Major & Small Appliances:

• Maintain refrigerator at 37 - 40 degrees F and freezerat 5 degrees F
• For cooking small meals, use toaster ovens ormicrowaves
• Adjust the flame on gas cooling appliances so it's blue,not yellow
• Replace a gas cooling appliance with a unit with anautomatic, electric ignition system
• Run the dishwasher in the evening with a full load ofdishes
• Air dry dishes in a dishwasher
• Regularly clean the lint filter on your dryer and inspectthe dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked
• Shut down home computers when not in use
• Select appliances (i.e. curling irons, coffee pots, irons)with time limited shut off switches
• Replace aging major appliances, TVs and VCRs whenneeded, with energy efficient models
• Compare the annual energy consumption and operatingcost for each appliance by looking at the bright-yellow andblack Energy Guide label when shopping for new appliances

Lighting:

• Turn off light when not in use
• Use task lighting whenever possible instead ofoverhead lighting
• Install compact fluorescent lamps (CFPs) in fixtures

Heating and Cooling Tips

• Weatherstrip your windows and doorways. Add doorsweeps beneath doors for added insulation.
• Check your furnace filter every month during theheating season and replace when it is dirty.
• Save on your heating costs by adding insulation to youruninsulated or inadequately insulated attic.
• Repair cracks or broken seams in forced-air heatingducts.
• Lowering your thermostat while you are not at home orat night while you sleep can save money. For every degreeyou lower your thermostat, you can save approximately 3%on your heating bill. Generally, lowering your thermostat by5° will make an impact on your energy bill.
• Close your drapes or blinds at night to keep the heatinside your premises.
• During cold weather, seal all openings to cooling units(wall and window air conditioners and outside central airunits) to keep the heat inside your premises.
• Don't block heating outlets or return registers withfurniture or other objects.
• Choose a high-efficiency model when shopping for anew gas furnace.

Water Heating Tip

• Here are some tips that will help you save energy andmoney by using natural gas water heaters and hot waterwisely and efficiently. Today's natural gas water heaters aremore efficient than ever, but here are a few steps that youcan take to maximize that efficiency:
• Keep the area around your water heater clean andwell-ventilated.
• Water heaters are now being shipped with arecommendation of temperature settings at 120°F. This slows lime buildup and reduces the risk of hot water burns.
• Repair leaky hot water faucets and pipes.
• Install water flow restrictors in your shower heads andother faucets.
• Use warm or cold water to wash clothing whenpossible.
• Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
• Take short showers rather than baths, to save water.
• Never let the hot water run continuously when washingyour face or shaving.
• Use the cold water faucet when little water is required.
• Water heaters, like heating systems, carry a federallyrequired Energy-Guide sticker. On a water heater, theEnergy Guide shows you the average annual cost for theunit and indicates the "first-hour rating" of the water heater.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR HOMES PART1