Energy Saving Tips

• If you’re going to be gone for a long time, lower the thermostat to 55 degrees. This will save energy and prevent water pipes from freezing.
• Use ceiling fans to help move air throughout the house.
• Keep the garage door closed, especially during the winter; it will keep the cold air out.
• When you take a vacation, don't forget to give your appliances a rest too. Turn off and unplug everything you can.
• Shut off the lights when you’re done using them, and turn off the TV, computer, video games and other electrical stuff when you leave the room.
• Do not leave the refrigerator door open. Every time you open the door, up to one-third of the cold air gets out.
• Replace a burnt-out light bulb with a new compact fluorescent bulb. Fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy, and they last 10 times longer.
• Use cold water in the washing machine. Hot water won’t get the clothes any cleaner, and it wastes a lot of energy.
• Turn off dripping faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons of hot water a month - that's more than one person uses in two weeks!
• Take a short shower instead of a bath.  It might take 25 gallons of hot water to fill the bathtub, compared to only seven gallons for a quick shower.
• Close the curtains during hot summer days to block the sun. During the winter, keep the curtains open.