From the Power bill…. 🙂
1. Save up to $100 a year when you properly use a programmable thermostat. Set manual thermostats to 78 degrees F in summer and 68 degrees F in winter, and then leave them alone!
2. Change standard air filters once a month or pleated filters once every three months to help system run more efficiently. Have system professionally serviced annually.
3. Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors. If the caulk is cracked or the weather striping is flat or peeling, replace old material.
4. Seal around wiring and plumbing penetrations. Use caulk for small holes and expanding foam for larger areas. This will keep conditioned air from escaping the house.
5. Use a power strip or simply unplug electronics when they are not in use and save up to $100 a year.
6. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new appliances.
7. Keep air vents clear of obstructions to help heating and cooling system operate more efficiently.
8. ENERGY STAR qualified CFL light bulbs provide high-quality light, produce 75% less heat, last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs.
9. Wash full loads of clothes and avoid over drying. Clean the lint trap before every load to increase efficiency, saving you more than $30 a year.
10. Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees F and wrap your electric water heater with an insulated blanket for additional savings. Read the installation instructions and warranty to make sure this doesn’t void the warranty.
Did you find any that you think you could do, that you don’t already?
Energy articles:
- 4 Cheap and Easy DIY Fixes for an Earth Friendly House (energizingyourcommunity.wordpress.com)
- 10 Energy Efficiency Tips For Your Spring Cleaning (earthtechling.com)
- Spring has Sprung… and this means the DIY season has begun. (caulkwarmer.wordpress.com)
- 10 Ways to be Energy Efficient at Home (cleantechies.com)
Attempting zero waste lifestyle in a military household 
I guess we do pretty good with all of these – unless you count the cat sleeping on the furnace vents as an obstruction (he’s pretty fat). 🙂
My water heater is a boiler for the building, so I can’t get involved with that (easily). I don’t even think I have air vents?! I never use a dryer (I don’t own one) so I’m winning there. I also try the ‘turn off the oven/stove early’ trick – and let residual heat do the last little bit of cooking.
You two are winning!
@Heidi–I don’t think the fat cat counts. 🙂
@Sarah–I will try that turn off the oven early trick. I like that!