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Energy Saving Tips
There are so many simple ways for people to save energy. All it
takes is some education and a little effort. We hope that the following
tips will help you and your family use less energy and save some
money in the process!
Lighting Tips:
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Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights
(CFLs). CFLs use 75% less energy and last 8 to 10 times longer
than incandescent lights making them worth the extra up-front
cost. BUT, use CFLs appropriately – place them in fixtures that
remain on for at least 3 hours daily. Special CFLs are required
to operate with dimmers or 3-way switches.
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Turn off lights!
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Incandescent lights should always be turned off
when not in use. Fluorescent lights work optimally
when they are not turned off repeatedly, so only turn off
when you plan to be away for 30 minutes or more.
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When day lighting is adequate.
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Leave minimal lighting on during non-business hours or
when you are away from your home as necessary for safety;
otherwise, shut off all lighting.
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Use the right amount of light:
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Consider three-way lamps and dimming switches. This will
make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter
lights are not necessary.
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Use one large wattage lamp rather than two small ones.
Example: use one 100 watt rather than two 60 watts light
bulbs.
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Use task lighting (table and desktop lamps) instead of
room lighting.
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Keep light fixtures, shades and bulbs clean!
Air Conditioning Tips:
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When you are away from home or work set the thermostat to 85°.
When home, set to 76°-78°, health permitting.
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Turn off central air conditioning 30 minutes before you plan
to leave your home or office. The building will maintain a cool
temperature for that time.
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Consider using ceiling or portable fans to circulate and cool
the air.
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Choose air conditioning units with thermostat controls and
programmable timers.
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Open windows and shades during the evening when it’s cooler.
Use blinds, shades, and awnings to keep the heat out.
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Turn off lights, TVs and computers when they are not being
used. They make air conditioning work harder!
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Do not place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.
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Close off unoccupied rooms and shut their air conditioning
vents; turn off room air conditioners in unoccupied rooms.
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Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly.
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Keep outside air conditioning units free from leaves that may
clog vents.
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Insulate the attic, outside walls, floors, and ducts. Seal
cracks with caulking and weather strip around windows and doors.
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Consider installing a solar powered fan in the attic for adequate
ventilation.
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Consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR® air conditioning unit.
Cooking Tips:
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Use microwaves to defrost, cook, and re-heat food instead of
an oven.
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Don’t block microwave vents.
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Turn off coffee machines when not in use and use small appliances
for small tasks, such as a toaster instead of an oven.
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Make sure the seals in the oven fit properly.
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Keep lids on pots when cooking. While baking, do not open the
oven; consider using the light instead.
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Keep microwaves and ovens clean and well maintained to work
most efficiently.
Dishwashing Tips:
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Only run dishwashers when they are full and use the economy
cycle for everyday washing.
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Instead of using the drying cycle, stop the dishwasher, open
the door and let dishes dry naturally. It takes more energy
to dry dishes than to wash them.
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Use cold water to rinse dishes before loading them into the
dishwasher.
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Wash dishes in the sink where possible.
Laundry Tips:
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Use a clothesline instead of a dryer when possible.
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Only run the clothes washer and dryer when fully loaded.
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When possible, use cold water to wash clothes.
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Clean the clothes dryer filter after each load.
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Spin clothes thoroughly before drying.
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Do not over-dry clothes; use minimum amount of time necessary
to dry them.
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Dry lighter items together and heavy items together.
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Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® washing machines.
Heating Tips:
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Turn down the thermostat. Wear warm clothing and set the thermostat
to 68° or lower during the day and evening, health permitting.
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Put extra blankets on the bed.
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Roll up towels and put them at the bottom of doors to stop
drafts.
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On sunny days, keep the shades, blinds and drapes open. At
night, close curtains, draperies and blinds to keep the heat
in.
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Close closet doors and doors to unused rooms.
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Use reversible ceiling fans to push warm air downwards and
keep rooms warmer.
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Make sure your home is properly insulated and seal cracks with
caulking.
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Consider installing ENERGY STAR® windows.
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Switch off heating when you are out of the house.
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Keep heating registers and air vents clear of obstacles and
make sure you clean or replace furnace filters regularly.
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Keep outside heating units free from leaves or debris that
may clog vents.
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Choose heaters with thermostat controls and programmable timers.
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Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or an
airtight cover.
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Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
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Do not use fireplaces while your central heating system in
on.
Water Heating Tips:
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Wrap insulation around water heaters and long-run hot water
pipes.
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Match water heater size to your needs and set the temperature
at 120°-140°.
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Turn thermostat down to a minimum on water heater when you
are away for more than two days.
Pool and Spa Tips:
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Set the heater thermostat to 78° or lower.
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Use a timer to operate the filter pump.
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Check with your pool supply advisor for recommendations on
how long to run your pool pump daily. Don’t run it any longer
than necessary.
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Use a wall brush and leaf skimmer frequently and follow a regular
program of preventative maintenance.
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Use a cover or blanket on pools and spas when they are not
in use.
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Consider using solar heating as an alternate source.
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Run your pool pump during off-peak hours. Summer peak hours
are 10a.m-5p.m.
General Suggestions:
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Do laundry & dishes during off-peak energy hours.
Summer peak energy hours are noon to 6:00 p.m.
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Use trees and landscaping for shading purposes.
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ENERGY STAR® is the label given by federal government
to products that exceed energy efficiency standards. To
find out more about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov
or call 1-888-782-7937.
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Conservation works! Your efforts will save you money
and will help California get through the energy crisis.
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Useful Telephone Numbers:
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