Energy-saving tips:

There are many ways to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Here are some simple ideas to help you cut fuel use and save money.

Winter

• Turn your thermostat down from 72°F to 68°F for eight hours a day and you’ll save as much as 10% on energy costs. Every degree you lower your thermostat could save you about 3% on your heating bill.
• Winterize windows with weather stripping (for all movable joints) and caulk (for nonmoving parts). Also, use a window kit to insulate the inside of your windows to keep cold air out and warm air in.
• Change your heating system filter once a month.
• Make sure you reverse the direction of ceiling fans so they move warm air down, without creating a wind-chill effect.

Summer

• Avoid using your stove, oven, dishwasher or clothes dryer during the warmest periods of the day. Your a/c system will have to work harder to keep your home cool.
• Fill your dishwasher completely before running it. In the summer, a dishwasher can add humidity to the air so your air conditioning system will need to work harder to maintain a cool temperature.
• Clean the outdoor coils on your air conditioner as often as necessary (i.e., when dirt is visible on the outside of the coil).
• Clean the a/c evaporator coil and condensate pan every year.
• Clean the blower fan blades.
• Clean supply and return registers, and straighten their fins.
• Plant shade trees around your outdoor a/c unit. A unit sitting in the sun can use significantly more energy to cool your home than one in the shade.
• Install ceiling fans. They use far less energy than air conditioners and allow you to feel cool while keeping your thermostat set higher.