 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||
Eight Easy Tips For Saving Energy
(NAPSI)—Saving energy may be easier than you think.
The following tips from the experts at the Environmental Protection Agency can help you save both energy and money:
- The right light bulbs can be up to 75 percent more energy efficient. If half of all U.S. households replace just five of their existing incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star® qualified bulbs, the U.S. would save enough energy to light the nation’s Capitol for 95 years.
- Adjust your thermostat dial and turn up the savings. If you set your air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees F while you’re home and 85 degrees while you are away, it can help save you up to 20 percent in cooling costs (depending on your previous thermostat settings).
- Change the air filters in your home’s cooling and heating system.
- If your central air conditioning system is more than seven years old, you may want to consider a replacement. Look for the Energy Star label when you buy to get the most energy-efficient model and save up to 20 percent on cooling costs. Air conditioning represents as much as or more than 40 percent of your power bill.
- Set your hot water temperature at the “normal” setting—no higher than 120 degrees F. This can save up to 11 percent of your water heating costs. Wrapping your water heater with a hot water insulation kit can save on water heating costs.
- To save energy, wash your clothes in cooler water. If you’re shopping for a new washer, replace your old one with an Energy Star qualified model, which uses 50 percent less water and 30 to 40 percent less energy per load. To maximize energy efficiency, only run your washer with a full load.
- Adding new weather stripping and caulking around your windows and doors can help reduce your energy bill toward 20 percent. When buying new windows, look for the Energy Star label.
- If your refrigerator is 10 years or older, it may be time for a replacement. A new Energy Star qualified refrigerator uses less than half the energy of a 10-year-old conventional model. You can test the seal on your refrigerator and freezer door gasket periodically by closing the door on a dollar bill. If the bill pulls out easily, you may need a new gasket.
For more information and tips, call 1-888-782-7937 or visit www.energystar.gov.