Conserving electricity does not mean depriving yourself of comforts and conveniences. The days of inexpensive electricity may be gone, but the enjoyment and opportunities derived from electric energy are not.
Conservation simply means to guard against waste, to be aware of the inefficient ways electricity can be used, and to do something about it. Some conservation measures can involve money, but there are many ways to conserve electricity without spending money.
- In the winter set your thermostat to 68 degrees. The lower the setting the more you will save. Wear several light layers of clothing instead of one or two bulky garments and turn the thermostat down another few degrees. Use extra blankets or electric blankets at night and turn the heat down.
- In the summer set your thermostat to 75 or higher. The higher the setting the more you will save.
- Check your attic insulation levels. If you have six inches or less, add more insulation.
- Seal cracks around all windows and doors.
- Keep air filters clean. Check monthly.
- Keep all windows and doors closed when the heat or air conditioner is on.
- If you have individual room heat, (space heaters) close doors to unused rooms. Turn space heaters off on warm days.
- If gone for an extended period of time, set the thermostat back to the lowest possible setting (usually 55 degrees) which will keep the water pipes from freezing. Remember if the temperature inside the house falls below the set temperature, the unit will still run.
- In the summer, when away from home for an extended period of time, turn the water heater off and set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.
- Wash full loads of clothes in the coolest water possible.
- Empty refrigerators and freezers use more electricity than those that are full.