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Does turning my thermostat back really help?

 

You bet! Keep your thermostat as low or as high as comfort permits. Each degree over 70° in the winter adds about 3% to your annual heating bill; each degree below 70° saves about the same amount. When you're out of the house during the day, or for extended periods of time, turn it back to 60° or 62°, and return it to its normal setting when you return. Turning it way up to reheat the house quickly will destroy the good you've done. If you're going away for several days, turn the thermostat back to 55°. Never turn it completely off when you're away. A sudden cold snap could burst your pipes. Turn off thermostats and close doors in unused rooms.

 

Energy Saving Tips


  • LOWER YOUR THERMOSTAT - Normal daytime setting for heat should be no more than 68 degrees.
  • WEAR WARMER CLOTHING- Jackets, sweaters or sweatshirts can be worn comfortably in a household setting.
  • STOP AIR LEAKS - Home improvement centers have multiple options to help you weather proof your home, such as plastic to cover windows, window and door weather-stripping, storm windows, storm doors, etc.
  • LEARN TO READ YOUR METER - We recommend you chart your electric and gas usage. This will help determine when you use the most energy then adjustments can be made to reduce.
  • CHANGE FURNACE AIR FILTERS REGULARLY - Most filters should be changed monthly. A clean filter allows your equipment to work at its best with the least energy.
  • ADD INSULATION - Examine your attic and floor insulation and consider adding more.
  • INSTALL CEILING FANS- By circulating air; they cut energy costs in winter (and summer.)
  • LOAD UP - Save energy and water by running washing machines, dryers and dishwashers only when you have a full load.
  • WATER HEATER - Keep the thermostat on your hot water heater at
    120 degrees.
  • KEEP THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR CLOSED - Every time you open the door all the cold air falls to the floor. Open it as little as possible and close it as soon as possible.
  • INSULATE WATER PIPES- Insulating water pipes in unheated areas protects against freezing and saves energy.
  • LIGHTING - Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They last longer and are more efficient

 

 

Warm Weather Tips

When the warmer weather is here, we encourage you to take advantage of the following no cost energy saving ideas. Indoor home comfort, low energy bills and protection of the environment are just a few benefits that come from the efficient use of energy at home.

 

Start today by:

  • Raising the thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer.
  • Using fans and open windows instead of running the air conditioner

    Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing

    Try to keep humidity out of the house.

    Blocking heat out of the house with exterior shading or use lined curtains and or shades.

    Looking for the Energy Star label, the symbol for energy efficiency, when buying home appliances and products. Households that replace existing appliances with Energy Star products can cut annual energy bills by 30 percent.

    Installing storm windows and doors. This move to prevent cool air from escaping can cut cooling costs by 38 percent.

    Cleaning or replacing air conditioner filters once a month.

    Turning lights off when not in use.

    Replacing all light fixtures and bulbs that operate four or more hours a day with ones that use fluorescent bulbs to save money and energy.

    Letting Mother Nature light your home. Sunlight is brighter than a multitude of light bulbs, and it's free.

    Putting timers on a few lights in your home, and installing motion detectors on exterior lights.

    Using a microwave or toaster oven to cook small portions of food and a conventional oven or stove-top for larger items.

    Turning off TVs, VCRs, cable boxes, CD players, cassette decks and computers during long periods of non-use. This will cut costs and increase the life of that product.