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Heating water is the third-highest energy expense in most homes. If the temperature setting of your water heater is at 140°F, turn it down to 130°F. You’ll save a few dollars each month. |
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Cooking meals with a microwave oven uses about half the energy of a conventional oven. |
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Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water can save you about $50 a year. |
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Here’s another energy saver in the laundry room. Put a large, dry bath towel in the dryer with each load of wet clothes. The towel will absorb dampness and reduce drying time by up to 33%, saving energy and money. |
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If you have a crawl space, inspect it regularly to be sure that the insulation inside is dry. When insulation gets wet, its effectiveness is significantly reduced. Find the source of the moisture and replace any damaged insulation. |
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Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator every year. The dirt buildup makes the refrigerator work harder to keep the contents cool and therefore uses more energy. |
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Check for open fireplace dampers. |
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In cold climates, double-pane windows with a low-emissive glass coating can reduce heating bills by 34%, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. |
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When adjusting a thermostat manually, remember that the house will not warm up or cool down faster if you set the thermostat past the desired temperature. |
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Consider landscaping your home for energy conservation. For instance, plant evergreen trees on the north side and deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side to block winter winds and the summer sun. |
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Make sure your attic is well insulated. This step alone can save you 20%-35% on heating costs and up to 35% on air conditioning costs. |
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Install flow-restricting showerheads. You can reduce hot water use by as much as 50% without affecting shower pressure. |
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Leave storm windows on all year long. They provide valuable year-round insulation. Storm windows can create substantial fuel savings. |
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Windows should have ample coverings to provide shade from warm sunlight in summer months. Draperies can provide added insulation in winter. |
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Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely; in just one hour these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job. |