Energy Savings Guide

Save Energy & Money

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. As for the road, transportation accounts for 66% of all U.S. oil consumption. The good news is there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home and in your car. Start making small changes today.

Tips to Save Energy Today

• Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer
• Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power)
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Take short showers instead of baths
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
• Drive sensibly - aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline
• Look for the Energy Star label on home appliances and products - Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency