Low, No-Cost Energy Saving Tips

(HIT) - You know that making your home more energy efficient can help you save money. But did you know that you making your home more efficient doesn’t take a lot of work?

Here are ten, low- or no-cost tips for saving energy from Edison Electric Institute. They’re easy, and you can get started today:

• In the winter, set your home’s temperature to 68 degrees, and lower it when you’re away or overnight. In the summer, set the thermostat to 78 degrees, and raise it when you’re away. A programmable ‘setback’ thermostat can make these changes automatically.
• Clean or replace your air conditioner/heat pump/furnace filter every month.
• Keep the curtains open on sunny afternoons in the winter, and close them in the summer.
• In unused rooms, close the vents and keep the door shut.
• Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors.
• Use low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures that are on for more than two hours a day (note that some compact fluorescents can’t use dimmer switches).
• Vacuum the refrigerator coils (behind or underneath your refrigerator) twice a year.
• Call your electric company or visit their Web site for more information.

For a free booklet, "More than 100 Ways to Improve Your Electric Bill", as well as information about making your entire home more energy efficient, please visit www.getenergyactive.org.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center