ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS

from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, PG&E, and CA Energy Commission websites

Staying Cool in the Summer

-Turn your air conditioner off if you plan on being out for a large part of the day.
-Keep windows and outside doors closed during the day to keep cooled air inside. In the evenings, open windows to take advantage of naturally cool air and use an electric fan instead of an air conditioner.
-Keep drapes closed during warm daytime hours to prevent solar heat from coming inside.
-Turn off lights and try to limit the use of heat-producing appliances (like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and ovens) in the afternoon.
-Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly. Clogged filters make your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently.

Keeping Warm in the Winter

-Install programmable thermostats that automatically raise and lower heat based on the hours the house is occupied.
-Open drapes and shades during the day to let in the sun. Close them at night to avoid cold drafts.
-Repair or replace damaged or missing weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows. If your home has single-pane windows, as almost half of U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with either double- or triple-pane glass.
-Clean or replace furnace filters regularly and schedule an annual maintenance check on your furnace to ensure that your appliances are working efficiently.
-Close your fireplace damper when not in use and ensure that it is properly vented when in use. Without the proper amount of outside air for combustion, a fireplace will draw heated air from the house.
-Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.
-Insulate your attic, walls, basement and crawl space.
-Put an insulation blanket around your water heater.

Home Appliances

Lights
-Be sure to turn off the lights as you leave the room or your home.
-Increase your lighting efficiency by purchasing flourescent lights. If you replace 25% of your lights in high-use areas with fluorescents, you can save about 50% on your lighting bill.

Refrigerator
-Clean the condenser coils at the back or the rear of your refrigerator twice a year. Dusty or dirty coils requires as much as one-fourth more energy to maintain proper temperature.

Water Heater
-Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. When in doubt, get professional help.
-Adjust the temperature setting on your hot water tank at mid-range.

Government Resources

The California Energy Commission Answers to your questions about your utility bills, tips on saving energy and suggestions on how to save money on fuel for your car.

Energy Star Learn more about how to purchase energy efficient appliances, office equipment, heating and cooling equipment and other products.

U.S. Dept of Energy

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) Learn how to install energy efficient light bulbs, shop for the best appliances and other energy saving measures.

Solutions for Small Businesses saving money on energy costs to improve productivity and profits.