Energy Conservation Tips

Saving energy means more dollars in your pocket, but it is also a green initiative that we can all practice to save our valuable resources and be kinder to our environment. Here are a few energy conservation tips to help you save money in energy costs while enjoying your home appliances:

Save Energy While Cooling and Keeping Your Home Comfortable:

• During hot sunny weather, close curtains and blinds to keep the house cool.
• Ceiling fans will often provide sufficient air movement to make a room comfortable, and may reduce the need for air conditioning.
• Turn off bathroom and kitchen fans when no longer required; they are pulling the heat or coolness from the house.
• Trees can help shade exterior air-conditioning units; they’ll use less energy. They also provide shade cooling and protect from drafts and winds.
• To save on air conditioning, raise the setting by a couple of degrees; you will not notice the change, only the energy savings.
• Clean or replace furnace air filters once a month. Not only will this improve efficiency, but it will also help allergy sufferers.
• For the best energy savings, buy Energy Star qualified cooling and heating products.

Reducing Your Heating Costs:

• In colder seasons, turn down your thermostat slightly; every degree can save up to 5% in heating costs.
• Fully or partially closing drapes can reduce drafts and help to keep the room warmer – reducing heating costs.
• Ensure floor registers and baseboard heaters are not blocked by furniture, carpets or drapes, limiting effectiveness.
• If you have bare floors, an area rug can ‘cozy’ your feet.
• Older thermostats are less efficient than newer ones, and you’ll recover the cost quickly.
• Programmable thermostats allow you to customize temperature settings according to when you use the room.
• Clean or replace furnace air filters once a month. Not only will this improve efficiency, but it will also help allergy sufferers.
• For the best energy savings, buy Energy Star qualified cooling and heating products.