There are a variety of things you can do to lower your utility bills. Listed below are some of the most effective ways to help you conserve energy and water and trim costs.
Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.
Consider three-way lamps and dimming switches. This will make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter lights are not necessary.
During the heat of day, close your draperies, shades, or blinds to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight and check your home for adequate insulation.
Turn off central air conditioning 30 minutes before you plan to leave your home or office. The building will maintain a cool temperature for that time.
Install / use ceiling fans or whole house fans for comport cooling.
Set your air-conditioner thermostat to 78 drees or higher in the summer and heat your home at 68 degrees or cooler during winter.
Only run dishwashers when they are full and use the economy cycle for everyday washing.
Turn thermostat down to a minimum on water heater when you are away for more than two days.
Run your pool pump during off-peak hours. Summer peak hours are 10a.m-5p.m.
Fix leaky faucets, plumbing joints and your sprinkler system. Save 20 gallons a day for every leak stopped.
Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks. Save 150 gallons or more each time.
Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 375 gallons per month.
Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs – and only there. Save 500 gallons a month.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Save 300 to 800 gallons a month.
Replace your showerhead with a new high efficiency showerhead; install water saving faucet aerators in your bathroom and kitchen. Save 10 gallons per day
Water your yard only before 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind. Save 25 gallons per day.
Replace your old washing machine with a new high-efficiency model. Save 20 to 30 gallons per load.
Reduce each irrigation cycle by 1-3 minutes, or eliminate one irrigation cycle per week. Use the landscape calculator and watering index. Save 15-25 gallons per minute; up to 250 gallons per cycle
Install covers on pool and spas to reduce evaporation. Save 30 gallons per day
