This is a pie chart graph which indicates the portion of Home Energy Costs associated with different types of uses. More than 50% is shown to be used for heating and cooling, about 25% is for appliances and lights, a little more than an eighth is for the water heater and the rest is for the refrigeratorThere are things you can do to lower your energy usage. Discuss these with your family so that everyone can do their part to decrease your electric bill.

 

 

  • Take the energy right Home e-Valuation (do-it yourself energy audit), receive the free energy kit, use all the contents and save $2 – $4 per month.

 

  • Adjust your HVAC system’s thermostat over an 8 hour period, each degree thermostats are set back can save 3% on heating bills and each degree they are set up can save 5% on cooling bills.
    • Change air filters monthly.
    • Have your ductwork inspected and repair any leaks.

 

  • Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs or with compact fluorescents lights (CFL). Today’s LED bulbs offer the most energy efficient and longest lasting bulbs available. The average life of LED bulbs is 15-25 years and Compact Florescent bulbs last about 10 years. Either choice is a far more cost beneficial choice than incandescent bulbs which last about 1 year and require more wattage to operate than either the LED or CFL bulbs.

 

  • Use the microwave or toaster oven instead of a stove burner or oven for cooking.

This is a graphic drawing of a microwave oven and is used to illustrate the Energy Saving Checklist.

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  • Don’t waste energy by keeping your refrigerator or freezer too cold.

 

  • Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option

 

  • Lower the setting of your water heater thermostat.

 

  • Turn off lights, appliances, computers and other home electronics when not in use.

This is a photo of folded linens and towels and is used to illustrate laundry on the energy savings checklist.

  • Dry one load of clothes immediately after another to minimize heat loss

 

  • Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads and after 8 p.m.

 

  • Keep your freezer full. The fuller the freezer, the less cold air you lose when opening the door.

 

See the Energy Saving Tips in Action and Safety Demonstrations:

TCE teaches the importance of safety on the Safety Demonstration Trailer. Schools and Civic groups in the area can book the Safety Demonstration Trailer for a free interactive experience designed for children and adults to explore safe handling of electricity and to see a demonstration of Energy Saving Tips. Contact TCE for more information.

Conduct an Energy Audit and learn how you can save more money on your own home or business.