Here are a few ideas to help save energy and cut costs on your utility bill.
For cooling, a good rule to keep in mind is to set the thermostat as high as comfortable in the summertime (78 degrees or higher), and as low as comfortable in the winter (68 degrees or below).
Use fans such as ceiling, oscillating and box fans in addition to your air conditioner to distribute cooled air throughout your home and help you feel more comfortable at a higher temperature.
Use fans in occupied rooms only – they cool people, not houses.
Shade the south and west windows to keep the hot sun out. Use exterior shading from trees, shrubs or trellis vines that tend to lose their leaves in winter, or use awnings or shutters.
Keep the drapes or blinds closed to help lower cooling costs.
Set water heater thermostats to 120 degrees (upper) and 110 degrees (lower) if not using a dishwasher, and 140 degrees (upper) and 130 degrees (lower) if using a dishwasher that does not have its own temperature sensor or water temperature boost.
Be sure to set thermostats properly: 0-10 degrees in freezers and 35-45 degrees in refrigerators.
If possible, keep your refrigerator/freezer full (add ice if necessary); it works more efficiently.
Keep the dryer’s lint filter clean. A dirty filter increases drying time.
Inspect the dryer’s vent hose for potential blockage or restrictions.
Use hot water only when necessary when cleaning or washing.
Check and repair hot water lines and faucets for leaks.
To save energy when using an electric stove, cook in covered pots and pans.
Try to bake several foods at one time, and don’t peek inside the door. You can lose up to 25 degrees each time you open the oven door.
Self-cleaning ranges conserve electricity because they have added insulation.
Don’t open and close the refrigerator or freezer door more than necessary.
Replace worn gaskets in refrigerator doors so that they will seal tightly.
Dust coils regularly to keep unit from working overtime.
Use the washer and dryer with full loads only.
Use cold water whenever possible in washing and cleaning.
Turn off all unnecessary lights and use lower wattage bulbs for decorative lighting.
Fluorescent lighting is cooler and more efficient than incandescent.
For night lighting, use clock timers or photo-electric cells that turn lights on and off automatically.