Keep the thermostat at 72 degrees or lower during the heating season. A one-degree change in the thermostat setting can cost you an additional 3% in energy costs. Lowering your thermostat from 72 degrees to 68 degrees during the heating season could save 12%
Don’t keep changing your thermostat. Find the right level and leave it.
On hot days, minimize the heat entering your home from outside by closing shades or curtains.
Change your furnace filter at least monthly year around. A dirty filter can increase your heating and cooling costs by more than 10%. Filters can be purchased at Lowes, Wal-Mart etc for less than $2.00.The filter size is 16”x20”
Shop around for the best electric rate. See your electric bill for details.
Consider a budget plan for an even billing cost year around.
*** A thermostat change of more than 2 degrees will cause the heat pump to bypass and auxiliary heat will come on. The heat pump is more efficient to operate. Tip - keep temperature increase adjustments to 2 degrees or less.
In cold weather auxiliary heat will come on as needed.
If the emergency heat light or malfunction light comes on call the office and we will schedule a service call.
Kitchen
Pre-heat your oven just long enough to reach the correct temperature. Turn it off five to ten minutes early before removing food from the oven.
Bake several dishes at the same time. It uses no more energy—you get two or more for the price of one.
Use a microwave oven when possible. A microwave uses up to 50% less energy than a conventional oven.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible. A half-empty appliance uses more energy.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Opening the doors cause the appliance to use more energy.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer at the right temperature. If they’re only 10 degrees colder than necessary, your operating costs will go up an amazing 25%. Refrigerators should be between 38 and 42 degrees and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees.
When using your dishwasher, use short cycles for everything but the dirtiest dishes. This can save up to 25% on hot water and electrical usage. If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, use it instead of the heat-dry setting. You can save up to 15 to 50% of your energy costs by air drying dishes.
Laundry
Washers and dryers can account for as much as 25% of electrical usage. When running these appliances always use a full load. Clean the lint filter in your dryer after each use. This will keep the dryer from running longer. Consider washing in cold water rather than hot or warm.
Consider a high efficiency washing machine. The benefits include:
use 40% less water, less hot water useage.
use half the energy,
use 30-75% less detergent,
reduce time in the dryer, less dryer energy use
result in less shrinkage,
increase the life of your clothing.
General Tips
Compact fluorescent light bulbs will last up to ten times longer than comparable incandescent bulbs and will produce the same level of light for one-fourth of the operating cost. They will also reduce your home’s cooling load, as they do not produce heat.
Turn off lights when possible and remove unwanted light bulbs where light is too bright.