Heating

• Keep blinds open during sunny winter days to allow direct sunlight to generate warmth. Close them at night to hold in the heat.
• Replace the air filter in your heating unit regularly.
• Set the thermostat at 68 degrees and lower it two or three degrees when you leave for the day.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
• Wear extra layers and add another blanket to the bed to feel warmer.
• Caulk and install weather-striping around doors and windows to reduce drafts and improve comfort.
• Turn off bathroom ventilation fans immediately after use.

Cooling

• Keep windows shaded to block out direct sunlight.
• Replace the filter in your air conditioning unit regularly.
• Set your thermostat between 76-78 degrees and raise it two to three degrees when you’ll be away for several hours.
• Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to make your home feel cooler.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances. They add heat to the home.
• Do cooking and other heat-producing chores, running the dryer, etc. during the cooler parts of the day.
• Service the AC at least once a year. If renting, ask the landlord to have this done.

Water Heating

• Set the water heater temperature at 120 degrees.
• Take shorter showers. Studies show the average teenager spends 45 minutes in the shower!
• Washing full loads of laundry can save you more than 3,400 gallons of heated water each year.
• Use cold or warm water instead of hot to wash everything but towels.
• Check for leaking faucets or water heater leaks.

Lighting & Appliances

• Turn off electronics and lights when not in use.
• Eliminate phantom load by using a power strip for your computer and other electronics to completely disconnect the power supply from the power source.
• Don’t over dry your clothes. If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it to automatically turn the machine off when clothes are finished.

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