Tips for Conserving Electricity

• Keep your thermostat at 70 degrees during the heating season.
• Raise your cooling thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer.
• Clean and replace filters often.
• Cover window air conditioning units during the winter.
• Cover the openings of unused fireplaces.
• Open draperies and shades in sunny windows on cold days. Keep them closed at night to prevent heat from escaping.
• Use warm or cold water for washing clothes where you can and always use cold water to rinse.
• Run the dryer at night in the summer so its warmth isn't released during the heat of the day.
• Clear the lint screen after each load for quick drying.
• Take shorter showers and install water saving shower heads.
• Turn off the water faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Use long life, lower wattage light bulbs.
• Change from Incandescent to Fluorescent lights when possible.
• Use the dishwasher only when full.
• If you need a new appliance, always shop for the most energy efficient.
• Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator at least every three months. The dirt build-up makes the refrigerator work harder to keep the contents cool and therefore uses more energy.
• Weather strip around all exterior doors and openings.
• Insulate hot water piping.
• Repair any leaky faucets.
• Install storm or thermal windows and doors.
• Remember that is important not to have lamps, televisions or other heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat - heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.
• Check to ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely.
• Do your cooking, showering, washing, clothes drying and ironing in the morning or the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

Visit Virginia Energy Sense for additional information to help you reduce your energy consumption and save money through energy efficiency.