The following tips are good for the environment and may help save you some money!
• Make sure your house is adequately insulated in the attic and walls.
• Replace older, drafty windows.
• Seal air leaks around doors, windows, electrical outlets, and light switches. Use a candle to test for incoming air. If the flame flickers, you have found a leak.
• Replace older appliances with higher-efficiency new ones.
• Have your furnace regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional. Check your filters monthly and replace them when dirty.
• Insulate your water heater and pipes. Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter. Each degree lower can lessen your heating bill.
• Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature.
• Open curtains and blinds on sunny days and use nature's original source of heat and light!
• Repair leaking faucets that may drip hot water.
• Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
• Wash only full loads of clothes in cold water.
• Gas dryers take time to cool down. Use that heat and dry loads back-to-back.
• Turn off kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans when not needed. They draw warm and cool air out of your house.
