Tips for Saving Energy

Looking for ways to reduce your energy costs? Whether it’s your home heating bill, electric bill, or trips to the gas pump, simple steps can help you save big.

When buying appliances, look for Energy Star labels that show compliance with energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy-efficient air conditioners, for example, save as much as 50 percent on operating costs.

Reduce air-conditioning expenses by having windows treated with double glazing and spectrally selective coatings that reduce heat gain. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units without blocking the airflow. Position lamps and TV sets away from air-conditioner thermostats so the extra heat won’t cause air conditioners to run longer than necessary. Use interior fans in conjunction with window air conditioners to spread cool air more efficiently.

Leave thermostat settings as high as you comfortably can during summer months because the less difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill. Whole-house fans that come on at night pull cool air through the house while venting warm air through the attic. Keep window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain and reduce indoor heat.

During winter months, reduce heating bills by opening drapes and shades on south-facing windows to allow sunlight in; close them at night to retain heat and reduce chill. A programmable thermostat set low at night and when no one is home can cut heating bills by 10 percent. Weatherize your home by caulking and weatherstripping air-leaking doors and windows. Replace furnace filters, maintain heating equipment, and increase your home’s insulation if needed.

Reduce water-heating bills by taking short showers instead of long baths. Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120oF. Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes.

Save electricity by air-drying dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. Clean your clothes dryer’s lint filter after every load to improve air circulation, don’t over-dry clothes, and dry towels and heavy cottons separately from lighter-weight clothes. If possible, dry clothes outdoors on a line or rack.

Control outdoor lights with a photocell unit and/or motion detector so they turn on as needed. Use three-way lamps or dimmer switches to control indoor lighting, use task lighting instead of illuminating an entire room, and turn off lights when you leave a room.

Many appliances and electronics draw electricity even when they’re off. Unplug TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances when not in use, or plug them into a power strip that stays off until needed.

To improve gas mileage and save at the pump, avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid braking. Observe speed limits. Remove unnecessary heavy items from your trunk. Avoid excessive idling. Use cruise control and overdrive gears to reduce engine wear and save gas. Keep your engine tuned, inflate tires properly, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. When you buy a new car, look for a fuel-efficient model.

For more tips, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s websites, www.energy.gov, www.fueleconomy.gov, and www.energysavers.gov.