Energy Saving Tips

Purchase energy efficient appliances (ENERGY STAR).

You can acquire them over time as your old appliances need replacement.

ENERGY STAR is a federal program created to help you save money and protect our environment. The program evaluates the energy consumption of several household appliances and, if it’s low, identifies the appliance with big yellow labels. There are over 60 types of appliances rated ENERGY STAR: lights, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, TV, home theaters, DVD, etc. These products use between 10% and 50% less energy and they reduce damaging gas emmissions. For more information visit www.energystar.gov.

Landscaping

Plant shading trees around your home and limit your use of air conditioner units.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Adjust the thermostats to no less than 40F° for the refrigerator and no less than 0F° for the freezer.

Lighting

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs which provide the same amount of light using a fraction of the energy.

Use natural light whenever possible by opening windows, curtains and installing skylights.

Ventilation

Choose ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.

Use air conditioners at reasonable temperatures, not excessively cold.

If you acquire a window unit, make sure it has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 9.4 or higher.

If you acquire a mini-split unit, make sure it has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 14 or higher and an EER of 11.5 or higher.

General Practices

Turn off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.

Clothes Dryer

Keep the filter clean.
Maintain adequate ventilation so that clothes dry faster.
Limit its use and dry clothes outdoors whenever possible.

Water Heater

Consider acquiring a solar water heater.
Install a timer so that the heater turns on and off at specific times.
If you can’t install a timer, use a switch and turn it on 15 to 30 minutes before showering and off afterwards.
Inspect pipes and valves. Leaks increase water and energy consumption.