Whole House/Utility Room
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Install a programmable
thermostat. Winter temps should be 68ºF, and 60ºF or
less while you sleep. In the summer, set the air
conditioner at no cooler than 78ºF.
☐
Adjust hydrostat on water
heater to 120ºF.
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For old water heaters,
install insulating blanket on tank and insulate pipes.
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Consider upgrading to an
Energy Star water heater. For ultimate efficiency, buy
a “flash” (also called “on-demand” or “tankless”) water
heater or a solar water heating unit.
☐
Check home insulation in
attic, basement and walls. Is it adequate?
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Seal gaps in walls.
Pay special attention to plumbing outlets, vents, & recessed
light fixtures.
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Seal ducts to maximize
HVAC efficiency.
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Keep AC and furnace
filters clean.
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Install weatherstripping
and caulking on drafty doors and windows.
☐
Replace single-paned
windows with double-paned windows designed for your climate.
Living Room/Bedrooms/Family Room
☐
Consider installing
ceiling fans.
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Use curtains, shades, and
shutters for insulation and shade.
☐
Use task lighting rather
then ambient lighting when possible.
☐
Replace your incandescent
light bulbs with compact fluorescents, especially in the
most-used light fixtures.
☐
Turn off lights when not
in use, and consider installing motion and occupancy sensors
where appropriate.
Bathrooms
☐
Install aerating shower
heads and faucets to reduce hot-water consumption.
☐
Take showers instead of
baths.
☐
Do not run vent fan more
than necessary.
Kitchen
☐
Always buy Energy Star
appliances.
☐
Use water- and
energy-saving features on dishwasher. (Do not use
dishwasher to dry dishes.)
☐
Only run full loads.
Home Office
☐
Consider using a laptop
instead of a desktop PC.
☐
Do not buy a bigger
monitor than you need.
☐
Set computer to go into
sleep mode when not in use.
☐
Turn off computer,
printer, and peripherals at power strip so that transformers
do not continue drawing power even when “off.”
Outdoors
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Install compact
fluorescents rated for outdoor use.
☐
Install motion detectors
on security lights.
Laundry Room
☐
Buy Energy Star
appliances. As a rule, front-loading washing machines
are more efficient than top-loading machines.
☐
Wash and rinse clothes in
cold or, if you must, warm water.
☐
Install and use a
clothesline.
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Only run full loads.