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Quick Tips

 Free and Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money!

  • 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.

  • Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.

  • Plan meals so you'll cook and bake several items at once. Preheat as little as possible.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  •  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.

  • When going on vacation, shut off or turn down automatic appliances, such as your water heater and furnace.

  • To reduce heating costs, add extra blankets or insulated padding to heated waterbeds.

  • Close windows when heating or cooling.

  •  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.

  • 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.

Information from U.S. EPA's Energy Star Program and Pacific Gas & Electric.

 

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CLEAN AIR CAMPAIGN
339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville  NC28806
Tel: (828) 251-6000   Fax:(828) 251-6353

e-mail: cleanair@landofsky.org