| Energy Saving Tips | |
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Saving energy is a year-round issue. These ten easy tips will help you save on your utility bills, make your home more comfortable and conserve valuable resources.
1. Make sure all of the windows, doors and wall outlets that lead outdoors in your home are sealed from cracks. 2. Have your furnace cleaned on a regular basis -- at least every other year -- to make sure it is running efficiently and safely. 3. Check your home's insulation for dirty spots (indicating air leaks), and make sure in general that your home is properly insulated. Insulation helps regulate your home's temperature, even in the summer. 4. Plant trees on your property to protect your home from cold winds and the warm sun. 5. Make sure that lights in your home are turned off when not in use. This one is a no-brainer that our parents always told us! 6. Gradually turn down your thermostat. If you reduce the temperature little by little over several weeks, you will not notice a major difference. 7. Ensure your water-heater is running efficiently and reduce the temperature setting on it. 8. Close your window curtains at night to keep out cold air and open all day to let in the sunlight. 9. Use a low-flow showerhead to conserve hot water. 10. Don't keep the refrigerator door open longer than it needs to be and don't constantly open the oven door to check on your food while it is cooking. The oven will use more energy to regain the lost heat while the fridge needs to compensate for the cold air it is losing when open.
