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Wash only full
loads in the dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your
dishes clean. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher
before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally.
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Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch
thick.
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Plan
meals so you'll cook and bake several items at once. Preheat as little as
possible.
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Do only full loads when using your clothes
washer and dryer. Be sure to clean your clothes dryer's lint trap after
each use. On sunny days, hang your clothes out to dry.
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Use shades, awnings or sun screens on windows
facing south and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open shades on
sunny days to help warm rooms.
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Close
the damper when the fire place is not being used. Try not to use the
fireplace and central heating system at the same time.
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When going on vacation, shut off or turn down automatic
appliances, such as your water heater and furnace.
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To reduce heating costs, add extra blankets or
insulated padding to heated waterbeds.
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Close windows when heating or cooling.
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Set
the water heater thermostat at 140 degrees or "normal" if you have a
dishwasher. Otherwise, set it at 120 degrees or "low". Check your
dishwater to see if you can use 120 degree water. Follow the
manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your
unit.
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Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner
thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. Three to five
percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68
and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78.