Energy & Money Saving Tips
Learn more about how to save energy at home this winter:
Turn Down the Thermostat Save this Winter: Turn Down the Thermostat. Consider turning down your thermostat to 55 degrees when the house is unoccupied. At night when you are sleeping, consider turning your thermostat down to 60 degrees. It is a common myth that it takes more energy to re-heat a home that has been set to a lower temperature than it does to keep the heat at a constant level. The more you turn down the heat when you don’t need it, the more you will save.
RefrigeratorReduce your annual energy bill by as much as $100 by unplugging and properly disposing of your unneeded refrigerators. For those in use, keep refrigerator coils clean. Old and poorly-sealed door gaskets can also increase electric use. If you think the door may not be sealing properly, leave a lit flashlight inside; if you see light around the door, it's time to replace the gasket.
Clothes Washers & DryersUse the low- temperature settings on the washing machine and load the washing machine to capacity. Washing one large load uses less energy than washing two smaller loads. When drying, dry full loads whenever possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer. Or, you can also hang your clothes out to dry. Cleaning the dryer filter after each use can also reduce dryer energy use.
Water HeatersSet your water heater thermostat at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficiently hot water. If you use a lot of hot water, you may need to set the temperature higher to provide enough hot water for your needs. Efficiency Maine recommends setting heat pump water heaters to 120°.
Reduce Phantom LoadMany appliances continue to draw power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as DVDs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. Plug devices into a power strip and switch it off when the devices are not in use.
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