Conservation should be on everyone's minds, Here are some tips you can use to
conserve and save both money and energy. It's first thing everyone should do
before installing solar energy or renewable products.

Heating and Cooling

Clean and maintain your furnace annually. Do not place any thing close to it because of
fire hazards.

Replace or clean filters in a hot air system monthly.

When the heat is on, turn the thermostat to the lowest setting comfortable to your family and
leave it. Vary the setting no more than 3-5 degrees from day to night to heat efficiently. Set
thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter, and at 58 degrees when away
from the house for more than a few hours. Experiment with your settings during the heating
season to find a lower temperature that is comfortable. Bear in mind that warmer
temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.

Turn down thermostats automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable
thermostat.

Don't block vents with furniture or clutter. And keep them clean.

In the winter close drapes at night and let the sun in during the day to cut energy costs.

Heat only the rooms you use not the whole house if it is not needed.

Sub Sections

Energy Saving Tips on Air Leaks and Insulation

Insulation is a very important factor in controlling home energy costs. Insulation is rated by
R-value, or resistance to the transference of heat. The cost of adding insulation can usually
be recovered in just a few years with the savings on heating and cooling bills.

Heating pipes and air ducts should be insulated for energy saving, especially those in
unheated space (basements, crawl space, garages). Water pipes only need to be above 32
degrees Fahrenheit not to freeze.

Windows and doors need to be caulked and weather-stripped to prevent conditioned air
from leaking out or unconditioned air from coming in.

Lower your energy bill by reducing air leaks around electrical outlets.

Storm doors and windows will help more then you might think.

Energy Saving Tips on Water

allows sediment and mineral deposits to escape and increases efficiency. Check the allows
sediment and mineral deposits to escape and increases efficiency. Check the thermostat
setting on your water heater. With a dishwasher it needs to be set no higher than 140
degrees. Normally 120 degrees and on larger water tanks.
140 degrees. Normally 120 degrees and on larger water tanks.

Think about getting a new gas water heater if you are using electric.

Fix leaky faucets is a great energy saving idea. One drop per second can waste up to 7
gallons of water per day.

Older toilets use 5 plus gallons of water per flush.

Energy Saving Tips on Lighting

Compact fluorescent lighting is the first place to start and gives more light for less energy. A
40-watt fluorescent tube produces more light than a 100-watt bulb. Lighting one 100-watt
bulb gives more light for less energy than two 60-watt bulbs.

Energy Saving Tips on Appliances

Check refrigeration and freezer coils for a build up of dust, dirt or grease. This build-up
actually insulates your refrigeration equipment coils and keeps them from cooling.
Refrigerators can also be operated most efficiently when well stocked allowing enough room
for air to circulate freely around food.

Reduce the number of times you open your refrigerator during the day. Think about and
decide what you will take out before you open the door to limit the length of time the door is
open. Cold air goes down is why a refrigerator warms up so fast when you open the door.

Pack a freezer full for most efficient operation.

Small electric appliances (i.e. microwaves, electric skillet, toaster oven and grills) are often
quicker and more economical to use than your range. They can also help keep your kitchen
cooler on hot days.

Preheat your oven only when baking bread or bread products.

Don't open the oven door to "peek" because each time you do 20% of the heated air inside
escapes.

A dishwasher uses about 15 gallons of hot water. Run it only when you have a full load.

Most appliances cost more in lifetime energy consumption than their purchase price. Be
sure to check the energy efficiency rating (EER) when buying new appliances and buy only
the features you need. Energy savings is money saved.

Use Energy Wisely by running washing machines and clothes dryers with a full load, you
reduce the overall number of times you use these appliances and avoid wasting water and
energy.

For additional energy savings, wash clothes in cold water when possible and don’t wash on
the longest setting unless necessary.

Regularly clean the air vent leading from your dryer to outside as well as the lint screen to
maintain efficiency and add to your energy savings.

Remember it is important for each of us to do our part. We can make a difference in our own
energy consumption and in our non renewable energy resource use. Even practicing a few
of the above can create money savings and in turn energy savings.
There are alternatives to non-renewable energy resources that you can do for your self.

Solar Energy Systems,
Solar Space Heating,
Solar Water Heating,
Wind Energy,
Hydro Electric,

You may be interested in reading the following link. Gentry Arkansas Energy Audit

You can as well read through the DIY Solar Back Up for more Energy Saving Ideas
that you can do with solar power.

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05/25/08