Energy Savings Tips Around the House

In the Kitchen

Set the refrigerator temperature to 34 – 37 degrees Fahrenheit and freezer temperature to 0 – 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are heating water on the stove, use hot tap water instead of cold.
Use cold water for garbage disposal.
Remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Turn it off after cooking.
Use a slow-cooker instead of simmering foods on the stove.
Use dishwasher’s air-dry cycle instead of the heat-dry cycle to dry dishes.
Fix dripping faucets.
If rinsing dirty dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, do so with cold water.
Use microwave for cooking when possible.
Turn off coffee makers when not in use.

Use bath towels at least twice before washing them.
Check that the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to dryer and inside wall fitting.
Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads.
Clean dryer’s lint trap before each load.
Dry consecutive loads to harvest heat remaining in dryer from last load.
If you must do smaller loads, adjust the water level in the washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water.
Ensure all new appliances, electronics and lights are ENERGY STAR® labeled.
Minimize clothes drying time by using an auto moisture sensor, if available.
Consider using a “solar-powered” clothes dryer: an old fashioned clothes line.
Only do full laundry loads.

Check for energy saving settings on flat-panel TVs like automatic brightness control and a power saving sleep mode.
If you don’t unplug them, use energy-saving modes or automatic sleep functions on electronics.
Turn off stereos and radios when not in use.
Turn large-screen TVs off completely when not in use.
Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer.
Check to be sure return air grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases.
Unplug battery chargers when not needed.
Do not close supply air registers.
Turn off unnecessary lighting.
Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.

Don’t let the water run while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.
Install water saving shower heads.
Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Set water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Try to limit shower length to 5-7 minutes.
Turn off bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans 15 minutes after the job is complete or ENERGY SAVER TIP: install 15 minute timers on bathroom ventilator fans.
Fix dripping faucets.
Insulate exposed hot water lines.
Use bath towels at least twice before washing them.
Install a water heater wrap, also known as a water heater blanket, per manufacturer’s instructions.