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.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)or light-emitting diode whenever appropriate.
- 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.
- Buy energy-saving “Energy Star” labeled appliances.
- 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
|
