The following energy saving tips come from the 'in the know' energy education folks in CSC's Emergency Services department.
#1 Control your Thermostat
68° is the recommended heat setting for your thermostat. For each degree above you set your thermostat, your heating cost will increase 3-5%. Turning your thermostat down at night and while you are away will lower your energy cost. Once you have set your thermostat to a temperature that works for you, leave it alone, constantly adjusting it cost you money!
#2 Let the Heat Flow
Check and clean or replace your furnace filter once a month during heating season. Vacuum the fins of electric baseboards. Let warm air circulate. Don’t block heat sources with curtains or furniture. Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air, and prevent it from escaping through the ceiling.
#3 Help your windows keep you warm
Low cost improvements to your windows will keep you warm! Closing drapes, shades and curtains will help keep heat from escaping out windows, especially at night! Caulk around window and door frames from the inside to plug air leaks. Using rope foam between sliding window frames can help stop warm air from escaping. Installing low cost plastic window coverings will help keep heat in, while still allowing light to come through!
#4 Plug air leaks in your home
Plugging holes where warm air escapes, will help keep your home warm. Common places o find air leaks: around pluming pipes, under electrical outlets and light switch overs, around windows, around door frames, attic and crawl space hatches, around even vents, Holes can be sealed using spray foam, rope foam, calking, rope calk, and weather stripping.
# 5 Set your hot water heater to 120°
Your water heater is the second largest user of energy in the typical home. Turning down the temperature, can cut the cost significantly.
# 6 Insulate your Water Heater
If your hot water heater is in the garage, basement, crawlspace or even outside, you could save over $20 per year by insulating it! Some utility companies will come and insulate your hot water heater for free! Contact your utility company today to find out if they do.
# 7 Install water saving shower heads and aerators
New shower heads and aerators are easy to install, and can significantly cut down water heating costs. For a 10 minute shower, installing a low flow shower head can save about 15¢ per shower. That is a savings that will really add up over time!
# 8 Wash clothes in cold water
It takes about 40¢ per load in energy costs to wash clothes in hot water. By washing one load a week in cold water instead of hot can save you about $20 a year!
#9 Save Energy with your Refrigerator
Refrigerators and freezers can cost between $8-$20 a month! Using them efficiently can cut this cost! Set your Refrigerator temperature to between 38°-40°. Freezers should be set around 0°. Keep liquids in your refrigerator covered.
#10 Put your energy-saving plan into action
Get your whole family involved. Have each family member try one or two simple changes in the major ways they use energy! Start with heating, hot water and appliances. After your have made energy saving changes, watch for savings on your next full month’s energy bill!
