Did you know you can save energy and reduce your energy bill without changing your lifestyle for little or not cost?
The Water Heater...
To avoid scalding, your hot water should not be more than 130º and to save on your energy bill, set the temperature at 120º to 125º.
The Washer...
You can save energy by normally cleaning the laundry in cold water and cold-water detergent and only using hot water for washing when extremely essential. Try to wash full loads and remember to change the water setting when doing smaller loads.
The Dryer...
Cleans the filter after every wash and cleans the vent yearly. Inadequate airflow in the dryer requires more energy to dry clothes.
The Thermostat...
Lower the thermostat in the winter while you are not at home or at night when you are sleeping, this will noticeably reduce your heating bill. You can actually cut your heating bill by 25% if you reduce the thermostat setting from 70º to 65º while you are at home and setting it back to another 10º at night or while you are not home.
Dripping hot water faucets...
Did you know a leaky faucet could cost you nearly $35 a year on your energy bill? Fix those leaky faucets ASAP!
Water-saving showerheads...
A water-saving showerhead can help you save more than $25 a year with a gas water heater, and more than $40 a year with an electric water heater.
The Refrigerator and Freezer...
The doors should close tightly. The refrigerator thermometer can be used to set the refrigerator compartment at 38º to 40º and the freezer at 5º.
The Stove and Oven...
Ensure that the burners are clean. The flame should be blue color and even in size on a gas stove. Lower the flame while you cook with covered pans. Each time you open the oven door to look inside, you use up 25º of the oven heat!
The Dishwasher...
You can save 50% of the energy by avoiding using the dry cycle and letting dishes air dry.
Table lamps...
While reading or working, light the area where you are working rather than the whole room. Compact fluorescent lights can generate the same quality of light by using less electricity.
Around the house...
Planting trees around the house can help save energy in the winter and summer seasons. The deciduous shade trees planted on the east and west sides of your house will give you shade in the summer and minimize air conditioning expenses. When they shed their leaves in the fall, warm sunlight will come in the house in the winter months. An evergreen to the north and west of the home will protect from cold winter winds and minimize heating expenses.
Visit these websites for more energy-saving tips:
http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp?gclid=CKKb8rH4oJwCFRPyDAodHX7Feg
http://articles.directorym.com/Home_Energy_Savings_Tips_Indiana-r1072282-Indiana.html
http://www.indianaenergyconference.org/
Sincerely,
Lisa Parrett, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
http://www.parrettlikethebird.com
317-863-4325
