Energy Saving Checklist
- Insulate and weatherize your home
- Install a setback thermostat and program it
- Block drafts with foam gaskets on exterior wall outlets and switches
- Consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle
Yard Light
- Use high-pressure sodium bulbs
- Install photocell motion detectors
Primary Headbolt
- Well-maintained vehicles need only 2 to 3 hours of preheating
- Install a timer or switched outlet
- Match heater to vehicle size
Heat Tape
- Reduce wattage if cold water initially comes out warm
- Be sure to unplug/turn off heat tape when the weather warms
- Maintain your appliances, especially your furnace or boiler, since they'll operate more efficiently
- Replace aging appliances with Energy Star models
Electric Water Heater/Storage Tank
- Set water heater to 120° to 130°F
- Wrap water heater and pipes
- Flush sediment regularly
- Install a timer
- Use tempering tank
- Turn off at the breaker if you’ll be away for more than 4 days
Electric Dryer
- Dry full loads
- Do multiple loads at a time
- Clean lint screen frequently
- Choose moisture-sensor model
- Air dry when possible
Washing Machine
- Wash with cold water
- Pre-soak heavily soiled loads
- Install low-flow fixtures
- Repair leaky faucets promptly
- Install low-flow aerators
- Showers use 50% less water than baths
- Install timers on bathroom fans
Heated Water Bed
- Place a 1½ to 2 inch foam pad on top
- Cover with a heavy quilt
- Insulate sides and bottom
Dishwasher
- Scrape off food instead of rinsing
- Wash full loads
- Wash with energy-saver cycle
- Dry with “no heat” cycle
Electric Range
- Fit pans to burner size
- Use lids on pans to retain heat
- Use small appliances, like a crock pot or microwave
- Pre-heat oven only 5 minutes
Refrigerator
- Keep ¾ to ⅞ full for efficiency
- Set refrigerator temperature at +34° to +38° F / Freezer 0° to +5° F
- Clean coils every 3 months
- Locate away from heat sources
- Replace with Energy Star model
- Get rid of the 2nd fridge in the garage used to chill a single six pack
Freezer
- Defrost whenever ¼ inch of ice builds up
- Set thermostat 0° to +5° F
- Keep freezer at least ¾ full
Lighting
- Change incandescent light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs
- Use only CFLs or LEDs designated dimmable bulbs in dimmable fixtures
- Use occupancy sensors and timers
- Replace several small bulbs with one large bulb
- Decorate wall surfaces with light, reflective colors
- Keep fixtures and covers clean
Vampire Appliances
- Unplug when not in use and especially when you’re on vacation
Electronics
- Put all electronics on a Smart Strip; turn off when not in use
- Turn off your computers overnight
- Put entertainment equipment (TV, DVD player, speakers, game stations, etc. ) on Smart Strips.
Electric Heaters
- Limit use. One 1,200-watt electric heater costs 28¢ per hour to run.