Energy Saving Tips

• Turn on system only when home is occupied.
• Adjust the thermostat to the highest comfortable level. For every degree the setting is raised, between 3-4 percent will be shaved off your energy bill.
• Keep filters and coils clean.

Christmas Lights

• Icicle lights have more lights per linear foot than regular lights. A string of icicle lights covers six to 20 feet, while a regular mini-light strand will cover between 25 – 46 feet. Because icicle lights have shorter strands, more sets are required to decorate your home resulting in more energy use.
• Add a programmable timer to your strings of lights to ensure lights are not accidentally left on. A timer also helps regulate energy use and reduce cost. Holiday lights can increase the average customer bill by $20 to $40 during the holiday season.

Clothes Dryer

• Wait for a full load to use the dryer, but do not overload.
• Clean lint screen after each load.
• Avoid over-drying.
• Remove clothes from drum as soon as dryer stops.
• Fold or place on hangers promptly to avoid ironing.
• Exhaust to outside.

Clothes Washer

• Most electrical energy required for washing is used for heating water.
• Warm or cold water will clean most clothes especially when using cold water detergents.
• Be sure to wash full loads.

Dehumidifier

• Even if the dehumidifier is on low, it is still using full wattage, but may cycle off more often.
• On cool or less humid days - open the windows. If the water in the dehumidifier has to be emptied every day - it is most likely running 24 hours a day.
• If the dehumidifier automatically drains the water, it is very hard to determine how often it is actually running.

Dishwasher

• Do full loads.
• Using the right amount of detergent maintains the washer's efficiency. Rinse dishes in cold water before putting them in the dishwasher (or don't rinse at all).
• Open door after the rinse cycle to air dry.

Electric Heating

• Lowering your thermostat at night or when you are away for 8 hours or more can reduce consumption by 1% per degree of setback. Example: If you lower your thermostat every night for 8 hours from 70° to 65°, your annual savings would be approximately 5%.
• Consider the installation of an automatic setback thermostat. This device will automatically turn the temperature setting down and raise it again at pre-determined times.
• Close off an unoccupied room to isolate it from the rest of the house in order to avoid heating it unnecessarily.
• Close drapes and shades at night to reduce heating energy requirements.
• Open shades on the south side of your home during the day to take advantage of the sun. Keep doors and windows tightly shut.

Electric Water Heating

• Set the hot water temperature no higher than 120 degrees.
• A person showering for 5 minutes a day uses approximately 550 gallons of water a month. Install water saving shower heads to reduce water consumption.
• Insulate older water tanks and ensure that both heating elements are working properly.

Freezer/Refrigerator

• A full freezer/refrigerator uses less electricity. If necessary, stock the empty space with filled plastic water bottles.
• Check door gaskets for tightness of seal. Replace gaskets that are hard or out of shape.
• Clean condenser coils at least twice a year to keep them free from dust and lint.

Heater - Portable

• It is possible that using a portable heater can cost more each month to heat an individual room. Consider only using the heater while you are in the room and maintain the lowest comfortable setting.
• Never leave portable electric heaters unattended.

Heating Cable

• Make sure the heat tape has a thermostat.
• If the heat tape has been in use for many years, consider changing it for a newer more efficient one.
• Make sure the heat tape is unplugged from April to November.

Hot Tub

• Keep your spa/hot tub covered when not in use.
• Water temperature should not exceed 105 degrees, less is better. Most manufactures recommend 102 degrees.
• Maintain your equipment. Routinely clean filters to prevent clogging.
• Use landscaping to your advantage. Trees placed on the northern side of the property act as a wind barrier and warm the air.
• Avoid overflow and splashing. It cost more to heat replacement water.

Lighting

• Turn off lights when leaving the room for more than 15 minutes.
• Compact fluorescent lights have the most efficient lamp bulb available for the amount of light required (especially with outside lights).

Phantom Loads

• Did you know that as much as 8 percent of your electric bill may represent the cost of powering electronic devices that you believe are "off"? These include computers, cable TV boxes, television sets, and other electronic devices that, when "off", still consume power. Learn more about these so-called: "phantom loads".

Room Air Conditioning

• Keep your windows and doors closed when air conditioner is running.
• Place a fan in front of the air conditioner to distribute the cool air efficiently.
• Don’t place TVs or other appliances near the air conditioner thermostat.
• Use your air conditioner only when your home is occupied.
• Adjust the thermostat to the highest comfortable level. For every degree the setting is raised, between 3-4 percent will be shaved off your energy bill.
• Keep filters and coils clean.
• Use the right sized air conditioner.

Waterbed

• An uncovered waterbed can use twice as much energy to maintain the desired temperature as a covered waterbed.
• A comforter or bedspread covering the waterbed will retain heat and reduce energy use.

Educational Sites:

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute
American Solar Energy Society
Energy Star
Home Energy Saver
New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (OEP)
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)
nhsaves
U.S. Department of Energy
Your Home's Energy Use