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Energy Conservation Tips IN WINTER: Turn down the thermostat. For every degree you lower the heat in the 60-70 range, you'll save up to 5 percent on heating costs. If health conditions permit, turn the heat off at night or set it to 55 degrees. Capture the sun's heat. Open drapes and blinds on south- and west-facing windows on sunny winter days. Close drapes and blinds at night to retain heat in the home. IN SUMMER: Turn up the thermostat 2-3 degrees or use a fan or swamp cooler when you are home. Turn the air conditioner off when not at home. Block the sun's heat. Use outside window coverings or awnings to block the sun. Open your windows at night for natural cooling if it is safe to do so. Select energy saving building materials. If you're renovating or upgrading, get reliable advice on energy-smart methods, such as light-colored or white roofing materials, appropriate windows, attic exhaust fans, etc. And plant trees! Eliminate wasted energy. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Use night lights to illuminate rooms instead of flipping on a light switch. Turn off kitchen and bath ventilating fans after they've done their job. Keep the damper closed when a fireplace is not in use. Unplug non-essential appliances, such as an old dustbuster or extra refrigerator in the garage. Turn computers and printers off when not in use. Reduce hot water temperature. Unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher temperature, set your water heater to "normal" or to 120. Take shorter showers. Showers account for two-thirds of home water heating costs. Cutting your showers in half will reduce your water heating costs by 33 percent. Install low flow showerheads and faucets. These can cut hot water expenses by 10-16 percent. Plug leaks. Install weatherstripping or caulk leaky doors and windows and install gaskets behind outlet covers. You could save up to 10 percent on energy costs. Wrap the water heater with an insulating jacket. This is especially valuable for older water heaters with little internal insulation. Replace furnace filters once a month and tune up your furnace. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. A clean, properly adjusted furnace can save up to 5 percent of heating costs. Use compact fluorescents. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents in high-use light fixtures. They use 75 percent less energy and last much longer. _______________________________________________________ |