Energy Saving Tips

Simple things that you can do right now at home and at work to reduce demand and cut your own energy costs:

• Minimize your energy use during peak demand hours from 3pm to 6pm.
  
  
• Turn off unneeded lights and appliances.
  
  
• Turn computers, copiers, and other business equipment to their energy-saving settings, and turn them off at the end of the day.
  
  
• Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens during peak demand hours.
  
  
• Buy Energy Star appliances, products, and lights.
  
  
• Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.
  
  
• Insulate your water heater and lower the thermostat to 115* F to save energy and money.
  
  
• Adding insulation in your home's attic, walls, floors, crawl space and basement may be the best way to improve your home's energy efficiency.
  
  
• One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weather strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.
  
  
• In the summer, close your curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.