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Some statistics about energy use in the US

Source: the 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book

Source: the U.S. Department of Energy

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Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

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Tips for Appliances:

1. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle [U.S. Department of Energy]

2. Before you open the refrigerator or freezer door, decide what you want to eat so you’re

not letting cold air escape.

3. Buy a dryer with moisture sensor. If you do need to use a dryer, choose one that has a moisture sensor that will shut the machine off when your clothes are dry- this saves using energy unnecessarily.

4. Check the seal on your refrigerator door by closing it on a dollar bill. If you can pull

the bill out easily, it's time to replace the gaskets

5. Clean the refrigerator unit. Clean dust off the condenser coils, fins, evaporator pan and motor once or twice a year. A clean unit runs more efficiently. Unplug the unit and clean with a vacuum cleaner or long-handled brush.

6. Clean your dryer's filter after each use. A clean dryer filter will allow your dryer to

work more efficiently. Dryer filters full of lint will cause your dryer to work harder and longer, using more energy. This LintAlert dryer safety alarm will let you know when the lint in your dryer reaches an unsafe level http://www.theenergyconscious.com/fde5000.html

7. Consider replacing your central air conditioning system if it is more than seven years

old. Look for the Energy Star label when you buy and use 20 percent less energy than a standard model.

8. Consider a natural gas range or oven. Natural gas appliances cost less to operate than

electric appliances and offer better temperature control.

9. Defrost your manual unit freezer regularly. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.

10. Don’t peek in the oven. Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking. Every

time you peek, the temperature drops 25° F and requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up.

11. Don’t place your refrigerator or automatic defrost freezer in a garage, porch or other

unheated space. If the temperature drops below 60° F, the unit will be less efficient and cost more money to operate. Or, the compressor may stop running, causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment to rise. Stored food could spoil.

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12. Don’t set the temperature of your refrigerator too cold. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 degrees F and 42 degrees F. Set the freezer so that the temperature is between -5 degrees F and 6 degrees F.

13. Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand, such as opening

cans.

14. Hang dry your clothes. Simply drying your clothes on a washing line or clothes horse will cut back your energy bills (and usage) considerably. The drier, or drying function of a washing machine, should only be used when it is needed - not every time.

15. If you have a washer that allows you to control the load’s water level, adjust the level

according to laundry load size. You can save energy by using less hot water for small loads.

16. Keep your refrigerator stocked. An empty fridge takes more energy to cool than a full

one

17. Make sure the oven seals tightly. Even a small gap allows heat to escape and wastes energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough and should be replaced.

18. Make sure the refrigerator is level, so the door automatically swings shut instead of

open

19. Only use one refrigerator or freezer. You can spend up to $120 in electricity per year using a second refrigerator or freezer. If you want to use a second refrigerator or freezer during holidays or for special occasions, turn it on one to two days before you need it.

20. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such

as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold.

21. Purchase an ENERGY STAR dehumidifier. ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers use 10 percent to 20 percent less energy than conventional models but still offer the same features – effective moisture removal, quiet operation and durability.

22. Test the oven temperature to be sure that the setting matches the actual temperature. If

the actual temperature is too high, you will use more energy than needed. Also, your food may not turn out how you anticipate.

23. Use a toaster instead of the oven to toast bread. Using the oven to toast bread costs

three times as much, and uses more energy

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24. Use an automatic clothes-drying cycle instead of a timed cycle. Put in the next load quickly to make use of leftover heat.

25. Use rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries do not contain hazardous heavy

metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/batteries1.html.

26. Use your oven's self-cleaning feature immediately after cooking, while the oven is still

hot.

27. Upgrade your refrigerator if it is 10 years old or older. Refrigerators use more energy than any other appliance in your home. But an Energy Star Qualified refrigerator uses about half the energy of a 10 year old conventional model.

28. When possible, use a microwave or toaster oven

29. With A fridge temperature card, you can easily tell if the fridge setting is too warm,

too cold, or just right - potentially saving food, electricity, and money. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/pow2001.html

Building Envelope Tips:

30. Need a new roof? Choose lighter-colored roofing to reduce heat absorption from the sun.

31. When building your new house make sure that the building envelope is wrapped with

moisture eliminating rainscreen. These allow moisture to escape quickly before it damages the sidewall materials. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wallprotectors.html

Everyday Tips:

32. Begin cooking on a higher heat setting until liquid begins to boil. Then, lower the temperature and simmer the food until fully cooked. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.

33. Check for frost build-up on dehumidifiers. If your unit is running in temperatures less

than 70° F, check it occasionally to see if frost is building up on the coils. If so, turn the unit off until the frost melts and the room is warmer

34. Clean the dehumidifying unit. Dust or vacuum the dehumidifier at least once a year

before you plug it in. A clean unit runs more efficiently.

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35. Closing blinds, shades and drapes on the sunny side of your home during the day will help keep the house cooler, causing the air conditioner to use less energy in bringing the temperature to a comfortable level [U.S. Department of Energy]

36. Cook food and boil water in a covered container whenever possible. This traps the heat

inside and requires less energy.

37. Hire a professional energy auditor to come and evaluate your home, so that you know exactly where you can improve your energy efficiency

38. Install a power monitor to keep track of how much energy you use, and make sure that

you are aware of your energy consumption. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/powermonitors.html

39. Keep the grease plates under range burners clean to reflect heat more efficiently.

40. Maintain your fans. Keep your fans in good working order. Check the manufacturer’s

recommendations for care and maintenance. This helps control the operating costs.

41. Match the size of pots and pans to the food servings being cooked or heated. Larger pots and pans take longer to heat.

42. Reduce deposits and build-ups. Drain a bucket of water from the bottom of the water

heater once or twice a year to reduce mineral deposits and sediment build-up. This increases water heater efficiency. Don’t drain the water heater, though, if you’ve used it for a year or more and have never drained it. The faucet may have corroded shut and could break if you force it open. Before draining the water from an electric water heater, turn off the water heater at the circuit breaker/fuse. [U.S. Energy Department]

43. Thaw frozen foods before placing them in the oven. Putting a frozen roast directly in

the oven requires one-third additional cooking time. (Microwave ovens can be used for quick thawing)

44. Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has

completed cooking. Retained heat finishes the job using less energy

45. When using glass or ceramic dishes, you can lower the oven setting 25 degrees

46. When you take a vacation, turn off and unplug everything you can.

47. Delay chores that produce heat and moisture until the cooler parts of the day or evening. Limit dishwashing, laundering and cooking on hot, humid days. These activities make your room more uncomfortable and require your air conditioner to work harder.

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48. Instead of air-polluting and expensive charcoal or propane, try an electric or natural gas grill

49. Cover the central air compressor with a tarp to keep it clean during the winter.

50. If you have hardwood or tile floors, add area rugs to keep your feet warm.

51. Keep the garage door closed, especially during the winter.

HVAC Tips:

52. Check your heating system's filters once a month and clean or replace as needed

53. If you are not good at remembering a filter change, an air filter whistle lets you know when it is time to change the filter in your furnace or central air conditioner. Check one out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wea2210.html

54. When your radiators, registers, or the fins on your baseboard heater are clear of

accumulated dust they can distribute heat more efficiently. When the coils on your refrigerator are clean, your refrigerator can work more efficiently, reducing its electricity consumption. Use a Schaefer Brush to clean the coils. http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wea2211.html

55. Clean your home regularly to prevent dust, dirt and pet hair accumulation. Dust and

dirt particles can become airborne, adding to the contaminants in the air. [Home Ventilating Institute]

56. Don’t let kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans run longer than necessary

57. Don’t set the thermostat at high initially. When you first turn on your room air

conditioner, set the thermostat at normal or medium. Setting it any colder won’t cool the room any faster.

58. Ensure that clothes dryers are exhausted directly to the outside and make sure that

filters and hoods are cleaned regularly to maintain maximum airflow [Home Ventilating Institute]

59. Ensure that continuous ventilation is provided in addition to the intermittent ventilation

systems. The entire house needs continuous ventilation to see that general air quality is maintained in all areas. [Home Ventilating Institute]

60. Have your central air conditioner tuned up by a qualified heating contractor every other year. This can help the unit operate more efficiently and may prevent failures in the middle of peak cooling season.

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61. Increase ventilation rates during family gatherings and parties. Use of intermittent or “spot” ventilation will help keep the air fresh, even during periods of increased activity in the home [Home Ventilating Institute]

62. Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter

and comfortably cool in the summer. [U.S. Department of Energy]. Find one here: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/themostats.html

63. Keep the condenser and filter of your air conditioning unit clean. Keep leaves, grass

and other debris away from the outside condenser.

64. Keep the thermostat clear of heat. Don’t position heat-producing devices such as lamps and TVs close to your thermostat. Heat from these devices could cause the thermostat to read a temperature higher than the true room temperature. This may lead to excessive cooling and wasted energy.

65. Maintain your central air conditioner by cleaning the outside compressor with a garden

hose (be sure to shut off power at the fuse or breaker first).

66. Open crawl space vents to keep air moving and the space dry.

67. Operate the bathroom exhaust fan when bathing and showering to limit moisture buildup. Operate your fan for 10 to 60 minutes after you finish your bath or shower to remove most of the moisture from the room. Otherwise, moisture buildup can cause mold growth and lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health problems [Home Ventilating Institute] Check out some exhaust fans here: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/exhaustfans.html

68. Plan routine seasonal maintenance for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning

(HVAC) equipment to ensure all systems are working properly and performing as intended. [Home Ventilating Institute]

69. Purchase an energy-efficient furnace. Select an energy-efficient furnace model by

looking for an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of 90 percent or greater.

70. Replace your inefficient furnace with a geothermal heat pump.

71. Select HVI-Certified Ventilation products for your home to ensure that airflow, sound,

and energy performance expectations are met or exceeded [Home Ventilating Institute].

72. To maximize efficiency, change the indoor and outdoor compressor coils when

replacing an older central air conditioner.

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73. Turn on range hood fans when cooking to expel moisture, odors, and contaminants released while cooking [Home Ventilation Institute]

74. Use a Heat Recovery Ventilator. Heat Recovery Ventilators are able to save up to 90%

of the heat leaving the home. In addition, they are fitted with filters to prevent pollen, dust, etc. from entering the home. Depending on the model, HRVs can recover up to fifteen times more energy than they consume. They also require little maintenance. Check them out at: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/hereve.html

75. Use a whole-house fan. These fans are mounted in the attic and ventilate your entire home. Be sure to open some windows before turning on a whole-house fan. A qualified heating contractor can help you determine if you need a whole house fan. Check them out at: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/ventilation.html

76. Ventilate your attic. Reduce heat build-up in your attic by installing proper ventilation.

This helps keep your house cooler during the summer. A qualified heating contractor can help you do this. Look at some possible ventilation options at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/ventilation.html

77. Wall plate thermometers give you a digital temperature reading in each room as soon

as you turn on the light. Take a look at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/thermometers.html

78. Remove your air conditioning unit at the end of the cooling season. Take your room

air conditioner out of the window when the cooling season is over. If you must leave the unit in place, cover the outside of the unit with a weatherproof cover and fill any cracks around the unit with removable caulk.

79. Cool only the rooms in use. Close unused rooms to keep cooled air in areas where it is

most needed.

80. Install an evaporative cooler, which uses less energy than an air conditioning unit

81. Keep furniture and drapes away from air vents. This allows the cool air to move out into the rooms and keeps your air conditioner from running more than necessary.

82. Keep the air conditioner out of the sun. Locate the unit out of direct sunlight and avoid

the south and west sides of the house. Placing the air conditioner in direct sunlight causes it to work harder to cool your home.

83. Keep your air conditioning unit centrally located. To allow better air circulation, install

your room air conditioner in the window or area of the wall that is nearest to the middle of the space being cooled.

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84. Make sure the fresh-air vent is closed when the room air conditioner is operating so you aren’t cooling outside air. Open the vent when the outside air is cooler to let in fresh air.

85. Remove moisture with a dehumidifier. Use a dehumidifier in warm, humid months.

Less humidity helps you feel cooler, allowing you to use a higher air conditioner setting to save energy. A dehumidifier works best when air can circulate freely through it. Place it away from walls and bulky furniture.

86. Save 10 percent or more on your summer cooling costs by setting the thermostat to 76°

F when at home and higher when you go away. Cooling the house when you return costs less than keeping it cool all the time.

87. Save on air conditioning by closing supply vents in unused rooms. (Note: If you have a

heat pump, vents should be left open.)

88. Select an energy-efficient central air conditioner by looking at the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.

89. Set the plug-in timer to turn off the air conditioner when you leave home and to turn it

on just before you return

90. Shade air conditioning units with trees or shrubs, helping the unit run up to 10% more efficiently.

91. Use a room air conditioner with fan speed control. This allows faster cooling when

needed and quieter, more efficient operation at other times.

92. Use fans with your air conditioner. Fans help reduce energy costs by circulating the cool air from your air conditioner. Find them in our Ventilation section: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/ventilation.html

93. Whenever possible use Ductless Split Air Conditioners. Because there are no ducts,

Ductless mini split systems lose less than 5% cooling vs. up to 40% for traditional forced-air systems. Increased efficiencies up to 21-SEER mean lower utility bills. Several models are even Energy Star Qualified, meaning they save you on your utility bill. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/duspsy.html

94. Consider fireplace inserts, doors or covers. If you use your fireplace often, consider

these products to help reduce the heat loss in your home when using the fireplace. You save money on your heating bills while still being able to enjoy your fireplace.

95. Even if the A-C register has a louver, closing louvers rarely eliminates all air flow.

Covers are a more effective means of sealing your air-conditioning system registers, keeping cold air from entering your home through your air conditioning ducts during

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the winter. Estimated losses through air conditioning system ducts may equal as much as 95 gallons of heating oil, or 131 therms of natural gas (source: MAVCAP Industries, acdraftshields.com). Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/acreco.html

96. If you have radiators, add a reflecting panel behind them to amplify the heat 97. If your home has a boiler system, avoid covering radiators with screens or blocking

them with furniture. 98. In the winter, let the sun in. The sun’s energy can have a noticeable effect on the

temperature in your home, especially from windows facing south and west. Keep window shades and drapes open during winter months to let in the sun’s radiant heat. [U.S. Department of Energy]

99. Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators [U.S.

Department of Energy] 100. Use a humidifier. Humidity makes you feel warmer in colder months. With the

proper humidity level, you’ll be able to turn your thermostat down to a lower temperature, save energy and still feel comfortable

101. Use natural gas for heating. Consider switching to a natural gas heating system.

Natural gas is less expensive than other heating fuels. 102. Use the fireplace sparingly. Many older natural fireplaces are inefficient and draw

more heat out of the house than they produce. Close the flue to eliminate drafts when not in use.

103. Warm with a space heater. A portable space heater can heat a single room without

using your furnace to heat the whole house. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/hvac-ventilation-space-heaters.html

104. When using the fireplace, turn down the furnace to 55 degrees. If you don't, all the

warm air from the furnace will go right up the chimney, wasting energy and money 105. Zoning thermostats are a great way to save energy in commercial buildings,

hospitals, schools and other workplaces. Zoning limits the use of energy to areas that are being used. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/hvaccontrols.html

106. Actuators and valves can be used to control room temperature in a large building

environment achieving great energy savings. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/daacandcova.html

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Lawn, Garden, and Pool Tips:

107. If you have a pool, cover it when not in use to minimize heating costs. 108. Try using a battery operated or electric leaf blower in your yard to save energy, and

cut down on harmful emissions caused by gasoline. Check out our options at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/blowers.html

109. Use a rake instead of a leaf blower to tidy up your yard. 110. Raise your lawn mower cutting height. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth

and a more drought resistant lawn. 111. Collect rainwater to use in your garden 112. Minimize or eliminate fertilizer. Fertilizer encourages thirsty new growth, causing

your landscape to require additional water. 113. The best time to water is in the early morning (4 to 7am)—to reduce evaporation—

when the sun is low or down, winds are calm, and temperatures are cool. You can lose as much as 30 percent of water to evaporation by watering midday.

114. For your lawn, consider rechargeable battery lawnmowers and trimmers. For smaller

yards try a reel mower, found at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/lawnmowers.html

115. Saving water from storms is a great way to supplement efficiency measures. Rain

barrels or cisterns can be used to harvest rain water for irrigation and other outdoor water uses

116. If you have a swimming pool, heat it using an energy-efficient method, such as a gas

pool heater, a heat pump pool heater, or a solar pool heater 117. If you have a swimming pool, keep it heated to approximately 78 degrees F to save

energy. 118. Manually clean your swimming pool’s filter instead of backwashing. You'll do a

more thorough job, save energy, and use less water. The average backwash uses between 250 to 1,000 gallons of water -- without completely cleaning your filter.

119. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to block the

afternoon and evening sun. [U.S. Department of Energy]

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120. Get a sensor-based "smart controller" that will evaluate weather or soil moisture conditions then calculate and automatically adjust the irrigation schedule to meet the specific needs of your landscape.

121. Shut down unnecessary fountains and waterfalls in your pool or backyard to reduce

pumping costs

Lighting Tips: 122. Adjust light level. Higher light settings use more energy, so save energy by using

dimmer controls, high/low switches or three-way bulbs to adjust the level of light to exactly what you need. Check out our available options at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/lico.html

123. Avoid long-life incandescent light bulbs. Long-life incandescent light bulbs are the

least efficient of the incandescent bulbs. 124. Convert your lighting to fluorescent. Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) uses 1/3

of the energy of standard incandescent therefore achieving substantial energy savings. Look at our CFL’s here: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/cflsbulbs.html

125. Clean light bulbs regularly. Grime from cooking and dust can make a light bulb

dirty, reducing the light it gives off. 126. Consider LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting. LEDs are becoming more common

for can, track, under-cabinet and holiday lighting. Initial cost is more, but the lights use 10 times less energy and last 50 times longer than incandescent lights. They use one-third the energy and last 5 times longer than compact fluorescent lights. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/leds.html

127. Control outdoor lighting. To assure only dusk-to-dawn operation of your outdoor

lights, control your fixtures with a photocell or a timer. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/lico.html

128. Decorate with pale colors on walls, ceilings and floors. You will use less energy for

light 129. Install a timer on indoor lights. Use timers to turn lights on and off to help regulate

use. Check out our timers at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/lico.html 130. Plan your lighting. Not every room needs the same amount of general light. Plan

within a room to provide general background lighting and supplementary task lighting. A good lighting plan can reduce lighting costs and still provide all the light you need.

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131. Position lights properly. Try to illuminate the entire activity area without creating distracting glares or shadows. To do this, position your light source closer to the area you want lit. This saves energy by not over-lighting an unused area.

132. Replace an incandescent outdoor light or high-intensity floodlight with a high-

pressure sodium fixture. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/exterior.html

133. Shut off lights when you aren't using them 134. Use a single, high-watt bulb. Using one high-watt bulb instead of several low-watt

bulbs saves energy. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended wattage for the fixture.

135. Use low-voltage lighting kits to light walkways, patios and decks. Find them at

http://www.theenergyconscious.com/exterior.html 136. Use motion sensors in your switches to have lights turn off when no one is in the

room. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/motionsensors1.html 137. Use natural lighting. Open curtains and shades during the day instead of using

lighting. Consider skylights and solar tubes during remodeling or new construction design. This allows the maximum use of natural daylight

138. When purchasing holiday lights, look for light strings with LED lights. LED lights

use less energy than traditional light strings. Find some at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/holi.html

Power Management Tips: 139. Activate the "sleep" feature of your home office equipment (PC, fax, printer,

scanner, monitor) so they automatically power down when not in use 140. Don’t let the computer run all day; only power on the computer, monitor, printer and

fax machine when you need them. Don’t leave them on after you’re finished working. Computers and other office equipment still use energy in sleep mode.

141. Plug home electronics such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the

power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power). Check out our power strips at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/post.html

142. Always use power strips to help you protect electronic devices from voltage surges

and reduce energy consumption when electronics are not in use. 75% of all electricity

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used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off? This waste of energy is commonly referred to as Vampire. Check out our power strips at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/post.html

143. Electricity or Power monitors allow you to measure how much power is consumed

by anything that runs on electricity. These monitors can be a powerful tool to enhance your consumption awareness. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/powermonitors.html

144. Use NIMH rechargeable batteries instead of standard batteries for all your

electronics. These can be recharged up to 500 times. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/baach.html

145. Use motion sensors to detect activity within a certain area. They provide

convenience by turning lights on automatically when someone enters a room. They reduce lighting energy use by turning lights off soon after the last occupant has left the room. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/motionsensors1.html

Tips Involving Renewable Sources: 146. For your backyard, install solar powered garden lights, available at

http://www.theenergyconscious.com/solarlighting.html 147. Generate your own energy by using a small wind electric system. Small wind electric

systems are not only one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems, they are also nonpolluting. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/windturbines.html

148. Install a solar powered attic fan to improve air circulation and save energy, available

at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/atticfans.html 149. Use photovoltaic modules to power your water heating 150. Use solar panels to generate your own energy. Install Photovoltaic cells on your roof

to help power your house, save energy, and cut down on energy costs. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/solarpanels.html

151. Use solar energy to help heat your home through an active solar heating system—it

will keep you warm and significantly reduce your fuel bills in the winter

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Water Heating and Saving Tips:

152. Always run a full load in your washer or dryer. Running a partial load uses the same

amount of energy as a full load – but you get less done. Running full loads allows you to run your washer or dryer less often.

153. Fill a dishpan with rinse water instead of letting the faucet run while you do dishes

by hand. 154. For your water heater, consider your family’s hot water needs. If your water heater is

too large, it uses more energy than needed. If it is too small, you may run out of hot water. Check out our water heaters at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/hiefwahe.html

155. If you add a new water heater to your home, consider having a heat loop or in-line

trap installed. These mechanisms can be inexpensive to install and keep hot water from moving into the piping system when you are not using hot water. Ask your plumbing contractor for details.

156. If you’re going to take a bath, make sure the bathtub drain plug does not leak, so that

you use the least amount of energy and water possible 157. If your toilet is older, install a toilet tank bank, to reduce the amount of water you

use per flush. Check out this one: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wat6022.html 158. If your washing machine doesn’t have a partial load setting, let the machine fill to

the desired water level, then turn the dial manually to begin the wash cycle 159. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, install an insulating wrap to reduce

"standby" heat loss, available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/insulation1.html 160. Install a dual flush toilet which has two different levers; one for solid waste, which

uses approximately 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and one for liquid waste, which uses 0.8 gallons of water per flush. By having the option, you can save water. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/duflbasa.html

161. If you have an older good working toilet, install a dual flush kit to reduce water

spending. It has two different levers, one for solid waste and the other for liquid waste. Your toilet will use much less water and the kit is inexpensive. Check these kits out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/towasa.html

162. Install a water meter to read how much water you use on a daily basis, and to detect

slow leaks

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163. Install a water softener. If you have hard water, install a water softener to prevent mineral deposits from coating the elements. This helps prolong water heater life and saves energy and money.

164. Install Low-Flow Shower Heads and Faucet Aerators [U.S. Department of Energy].

This will cut water heating costs by up to 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/faaeaba.html

165. Eventually every toilet is going to leak. It's a matter of time costing you money.

Install a Leak Alerter; a leak detection device that adheres to the side of the toilet tank and notifies you audibly and visually when the flapper has begun to leak, available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wat3083.html

166. Install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss.

Some new water heaters have built-in heat traps. [U.S. Department of Energy] 167. Install your water heater near the kitchen. The kitchen is where you use the hottest

water. When the water heater is located near the kitchen, hot water doesn’t have to travel as far and less heat is lost.

168. Insulate water pipes coming from the water heater, so that the water retains more

heat. Check out our insulating materials at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wahese.html

169. Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F 170. Only use your dishwasher when fully loaded [U.S. Department of Energy] 171. Place the washer close to the water heater. Water loses heat as it flows through pipes.

When the washer is located near the water heater, hot water doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the washer, and less heat is lost

172. Purchase a natural gas water heater. If you currently have an electric water heater,

consider replacing it with a natural gas water heater. When it comes to heating water, natural gas is less expensive than electricity, and it heats more water faster during heavy use. Consider a sealed combustion or an on-demand water heater. Both types use less energy. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/hiefstwahe.html

173. Repair dripping faucets promptly. If the faucet leaks hot water, the energy used to

heat it is costing you money. (One drop a second can waste up to 48 gallons a week!) [U.S. Department of Energy]

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174. Run cold water for disposal. Hot water requires energy to warm the water. Cold water not only saves energy, but also solidifies grease, moving it more easily through garbage disposal and pipes

175. Select the shortest cycle that properly cleans your dishes. Shorter cycles use less hot

water and less energy. 176. Skip rinsing the dishes. Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher

wastes energy. If you do rinse, use cold water 177. Switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless water heater. Tankless water

heaters heat water on demand, and only heat the amount of water that you want to use whereas traditional water heaters are constantly heating water, even when you don’t need it. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/waterheaters.html

178. Take short showers instead of baths 179. Turn off running water when shaving or brushing your teeth. 180. Use a timer when showering to limit the length of your shower. This will save both

water and the energy used to heat the water. Look at our timers at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/shac.html

181. Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible 182. When showering, don’t let the water run while shampooing or conditioning your

hair, or washing your body 183. When you’re away from the house for an extended time, set your water heating to

the lowest setting. 184. Wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it’s in an unheated

area of your home. They are available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/insulation1.html

185. Group plants according to their water needs. Grouping vegetation with similar

watering needs into specific “hydrozones” reduces water use by allowing you to water to each zone’s specific needs.

Weatherization Tips: 186. Add fireproof caulk where the chimney meets the wall, inside and outside.

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187. Check window panes to see if they need new glazing. If the glass is loose, replace the putty holding the pane in place. Find some at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wiwe.html

188. Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting

insulation R-values for your home.[U.S. Department of Energy] 189. Duct sealing can increase the efficiency of a heating and cooling system

dramatically, potentially saving a household $140 annually. Mastic and metal-backed tape are two good ways to seal ducts, since they can withstand higher temperatures than can conventional duct tape. Find them at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/ductsealing1.html

190. Electrical wiring penetrations in conventionally built homes can be the source of up

to 20% of your home’s drafts. To stop the draft from costing you money and improve your comfort at home you can change the standard outlets to well sealed electric outlets. They cost very little but pay off big and quick. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/elairse.html

191. Evaluate where heat is being lost in your home by using a thermal heat detector,

available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/mede.html 192. If your home has no sidewall insulation, place heavy furniture like bookshelves,

armoires and sofas along exterior walls, and use decorative quilts as wall hangings 193. If your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. Homes do, consider replacing

them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass 194. Install draft guards on your doors, available at

http://www.theenergyconscious.com/dowe.html 195. Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls, available at

http://www.theenergyconscious.com/elairse.html 196. Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after

weatherizing [U.S. Department of Energy], available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/windowfabric.html

197. Insulate around windows and doors. Weather-strip and/or caulk all areas of

noticeable leaks around windows and doors. Removable caulking is a good option for windows that you open in summer but not in winter. Find insulation supplies at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wiwe.html

198. Invest in an attic tent to insulate your attic hatch door, available at

http://www.theenergyconscious.com/attictent.html

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199. Make sure to insulate your basement to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping 200. Make sure you’ve insulated around recessed lights, attic doors and other places

where outdoor air can sneak into your home. 201. Once a room air conditioner is in place, seal the space around it with rope caulk or

some other sealant to prevent warm outside air from leaking in. Find it at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/caulksfoams.html

202. Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful

how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC—designed for direct insulation contact. Check your local building codes for recommendations. [U.S. Department of Energy]

203. Repair, seal and add insulation to existing heating and cooling ducts to prevent

heating and cooling loss. [U.S. Department of Energy] 204. Seal around holes from pipes and wires that enter or exit your home’s living space. 205. The A-C through-wall cover provides a 100% seal of the entire air-conditioning unit

inclusive of the casing and wall opening. Check it out at: http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wea1073.html

206. Try do-it-yourself low-E windows. If your windows don't have a low-E coating,

consider applying a self-adhesive film on the glass. 207. Use cellular shades for your home or office. 208. Use higher density insulation on exterior walls, such as rigid foam boards, in

cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls. [U.S. Department of Energy] 209. You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on your window frames or tape clear

plastic film to the inside of the frame during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration [U. S. Department of Energy]. Check it out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/wiwe.html

210. If you never use your fireplace, plug the chimney with fiberglass insulation and seal

the doors with silicone caulk. 211. If your home has a large, single-pane picture window, use heavy draperies during the

winter to help hold back cold air, available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/windowfabric.html

…A gift from The Energy Conscious to our customers 

212. When your fireplace is not in use, install a fireplace draft stopper, to help keep out drafts, available at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/fidrst.html

213. Install Tubular Skylights instead of traditional ones. Tubular skylights are designed

with a sealed shaft which minimizes the transfer of heat or cold into your home unlike traditional skylights which generate heat. Check them out at http://www.theenergyconscious.com/tusk.html