Some helpful energy saving tips

• Turn off the TV, VCR, stereo or radio when not in use.
• Turn off the dehumidifier on dry days when it’s not needed.
• Turn off the humidifier on humid days when it’s not needed.
• Install low-flush toilets to save water. Many communities have water conservation programs that may pay for the new toilets.
• Turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray – it wastes water every time you flush it.
• It takes a lot of energy to make new containers, paper products and packaging. Be diligent in recycling all your newspapers, cans, bottles, plastics, cardboard and other materials.
• Do your consumer research on the Internet and buy as many things as you can on-line. You’ll save time and the small shipping fees are much less than what you’d spend driving around in a vehicle.
• Cancel your printed newspapers and magazines and subscribe to the on-line versions. It takes a lot of energy to make the paper, print and deliver these publications to your door.
• Activate the “sleep” feature of your home office equipment (PC, fax, printer, scanner, monitor) so they automatically power down when not in use.
• Turn off your home office equipment when not in use.
• When buying a home, look at neighborhoods close to work or public transportation to reduce private vehicle use.
• 88 billion plastic bags are used in the U.S each year. This represents 12 million barrels of oil.
• It is estimated that it takes up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose.
• Recycling plastic bags is a joke! Just throw it away because it takes more energy and costs more to recycle it than to make a new one.
• Do you really need to use individual plastic bags for produce at the grocery store?
• Here’s a couple of small energy saving tips – avoid double-cupping when getting your favorite coffee drink. Also, take your coffee without a lid unless you really need one.
• Bring your own cup to your favorite coffee shop. You’ll save energy, most coffee shops give a discount, plus coffee always tastes better in real cup.
• Household batteries contain hazardous materials and throwing them in the trash is now prohibited in California. Properly dispose of your batteries at the retail centers where you buy them.
• Better yet, purchase a good selection of high-quality rechargeable batteries and a charging unit. You’ll save money in the long run and keep hazardous materials out of our environment.

HEATING AND COOLING

• Space heating and cooling accounts for about 45 percent of your utility bill and offers the greatest opportunity to save on energy costs.
• Adjust the thermostat in small degree changes – your home won’t heat or cool faster by cranking it up.
• If your home is heated electrically and you live in a moderate climate like Southern California, consider installing a heat pump to save 30 to 40 percent on your heating costs.
• Cranking up the thermostat on a heat pump system may turn on the back-up resistance heating strips – adding greatly to your electric bill.
• Installing a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule will pay for itself in less than a year.
• Changing the furnace filter every other month is a good energy saving tip.
• Keep furniture and drapes away from the HVAC air supply and return air ducts to increase the energy efficiency of your system.
• Be sure the air conditioner is fully charged with freon so it operates efficiently.
• When installing a new furnace, check the energy rating and choose a high-efficiency unit for maximum energy savings. It will pay for itself in about 7 years.
• When buying an air conditioner, don’t over-size it. Select the proper size and choose an energy-efficient model.
• If you install your air conditioning compressor in a shady spot, it will work more efficiently.
• Allow plenty of room for air flow around the air conditioning compressor for most efficient operation.
• Bleed air from hot water radiators a couple of times each season to make them work more efficiently.
• Place heat resistant radiator reflectors between the exterior walls and the radiators.
• Major appliances add extra heat to your home and make your air conditioner work harder. Operate them in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside.
• During the winter, remove window air conditioners and seal the windows with caulk and weather stripping.
• You might also want to cover the central air conditioner with a tarp to keep it clean.
• Ceiling fans are more energy efficient at circulating the air than turning on the main furnace fan.
• Install a whole-house fan in the attic to draw hot air out of the house. Remember to cover and insulate it during the winter to prevent heat loss.
• Closing the doors and shutting the vents in the rooms you don’t use is a smart energy saving idea.
• Add an extra blanket for warmth and turn down the furnace while sleeping.
• Use ventilating fans in your kitchen, bath and utility area prudently. In just one hour of use, they can pull out a houseful of warm air.
• A small UAL approved electric space heater is an efficient way to supplement room heating.

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