Handy Ways to Conserve Energy
We’re all about saving energy so we’ve included this list of energy savings tips that you can start using NOW to help the future of TOMORROW.Don’t let furniture and draperies block the air flow from air registers.Reflective window film can help reduce heat gain during the summer, and it will keep furniture and carpets from fading.Add fireproof caulk where the chimney meets the wall, inside and outside.When the fireplace is not in use, make sure fireplace dampers are sealed tight, and keep the glass doors closed, and if you never use your fireplace, plug the chimney with fiberglass insulation and seal the doors with silicone caulk.Seal the edges of unused doors and windows with rope caulk.Don’t forget to weatherize the attic access.Don’t overload the refrigerator or freezer, and check the seal on your refrigerator door by closing it on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, it’s time to replace the gaskets.Use your oven’s self-cleaning feature immediately after cooking, while the oven is still hot.Use lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking times.Add foam gaskets behind all outlet covers and switch plates.Install a water-saving showerhead.Fix leaky faucets, especially if it’s a hot water faucet. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month – that’s more than one person uses in two weeks.Use aerators on kitchen and bathroom sink faucets.Use rags or hand towels instead of paper towels or napkins.Keep plantings at least one foot away from your central air conditioning unit for adequate airflow.During late afternoon and early evening, turn off unnecessary lights and wait to use heat-producing appliances.Shade south and west facing windows during the hottest part of the day in the summer.Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can reduce your cooling costs by 25 percent.When planting trees, place leafy shade trees to the south and west, and evergreens to the north.
