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| Join Katie Romans, energy educator from Pacific Gas and Electric, and learn how to save a lot of energy with little to no cash investment (under $15!). |
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Katie Romans talks about saving energy in your home.
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Tips for saving home energy
The biggest energy draw in the home is heating and cooling water and air, so any changes in this area can really have a BIG impact.
The next biggest draws are appliances and lighting.
1. Thermostat settings can save you 20% right off the bat!
- 68 or lower in the winter
- 78 or higher in the summer (3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees in the winter and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees in the summer!)
2. Windows and doors: Keep the heated and cooled air in the house
- Caulk and seal!
- If you're thinking about replacing existing windows, choose some that are compatible with your climate - reflecting or absorbing depending on where you live.
3. Efficient use of water heater: Heating water takes a lot of energy, think it through
- When dishwashing, doing laundry, taking showers and bathing, use the shortest wash that will get the job done
- Consolidate loads - run a full dishwasher, do extra-large loads of laundry, etc.
4. Water heater settings: Higher is not better
- Set the water heater thermostat at 140 degrees or "normal", if you have a dishwasher.
- Otherwise, set it at 120 degrees or "low." Check your dishwasher manual to see if you can use 120 degree water.
- Follow the manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your water heater.
5. Maintain the refrigerator in the right way
- Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at 37°- 40° F and your freezer at 5°F.
- Try switching off the power-saver switch, if your refrigerator has one. If only a small amount of condensation appears, save energy and leave the switch off.
- Vacuum the condenser coils (underneath or behind the unit) every three months or so.
- Check the condition of door gaskets by placing a dollar bill against the frame and closing the door. If the bill can be pulled out with a very gentle tug, the door should be adjusted or the gasket replaced.
6. Lighting
- Turn off the lights
- Use energy efficient lightbulbs
- When you're ready to invest, consider solar lamps and motion-detector lamps for indoor and outdoor use
7. Cut off the energy vampires
- Use Power strips and turn them off when not in use
- Unplug appliances when not in use
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