June 28, 2007
In Every Room
Table of contents for Lower Your Energy Bills This Summer Room by Room
- In the Kitchen
- In the Den and Family Room
- In the Bath
- In Every Room
In Every Room
- When buying new appliances, home electronics, and lighting look for the ENERGY STAR® label on the product or the box. These products use less energy, and can save you 10-30 percent on operating costs.
- Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
- Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
- Whenever possible, open shaded windows and use fans instead of operating your air conditioner.
- If you use a window air conditioner, use a fan with it to spread the cool air throughout your home.
- Don't place lamps or TVs near the thermostat. The heat from these appliances will trick the air conditioner into running longer.
- Report drafts around windows, doors, or pipes through walls. Simple caulking and weatherstripping can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), available at any store that sells lighting.
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater: 120 degrees is comfortable for most uses. You won't sacrifice comfort but you will save money.
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