Easy Household Energy Saving Tips

Heating

1)      Reduce thermostat by 3-5 degrees from its normal setting and save up to 20% on heating costs

2)      Dress appropriately for the season by wearing heavier clothes in the winter

3)      Change filters on furnace to ensure optimal efficiency  

Cooling

1)      Increase thermostat by 3-5 degrees from its normal setting and save up to 10% on cooling costs          

2)      Reduce the need for air conditioning by using fans and close blinds to create shade

3)      Dress appropriately for the season by wearing lighter clothes

4)      Change filters routinely for optimal efficiency

5)      Increase thermostat even more when no one is home or turn off completely

Clothes Washing and Drying

1)      Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear

2)      Clean the lint filter after every load

3)      Compare the cost of a drying rack or clothes line to the cost of using a drying machine (On site machines usually charge $0.75 - $1.25 per load.  In-home machines are cheaper, but still will cost close to $0.50 per load on your utility bill)

4)      Wash clothes with cold water! 90% of washing energy goes toward heating the water

Lighting

1)      Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) 

• CFLs have an 8 -15 times longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs lasting between 6,000-15,000 hours, whereas the standards are manufactured to last 750 -1,000 hours

         2)  Keep lights off when they are not being used and get the kids involved

• Enlist your friends and loved ones or become your own "Light Police"

Refrigerator/ Freezer

1)  Make sure refrigerator door is properly sealed

2)  Don't overcrowd the fridge

3)  Allow items to cool before placing them in the fridge

4)  Proper maintenance is essential to allow your fridge to run efficiently 

Dishwasher

1)      Only run when fully loaded

2)      Use air dry option instead of heated dry

3)      Try hand washing dishes and making it a family event fueled by good conversation

Electronics

1)      Unplug electronics when not in use (cell phones, battery chargers, coffee makers, DVD players) Save up to 10% off  monthly utility bill

Water Savings Tips

1)      Take shorter showers and use low flow non-aerating shower heads

2)      Turn off water while brushing teeth

3)      Take more showers than baths (save 15 gallons of water each time)

4)      Repair leaky faucets (30 drops/minute adds up to a wasted 84 gallons/month)

Energy Star Investments

1)      Furnace- Energy Star qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% and 90% or higher (this makes them 15% more efficient than standard models) 

2)      Air conditioner- Energy Star qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models

3)      Fan- Ceiling fan/light combination units (Energy Star) are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units, by use of improved motors and blade designs

4)      Clothes Washer- Cut energy costs by 1/3  and water costs by 1/2  

Rebate Program: Metropolitan Water District ($85 Rebate)

5)      Dishwasher- Use 41% less energy

      Rebate Program: Southern California Gas Company ($35)

6)      Television- Use about 30% less energy than standard units

       Contact List for Deals, Rebates and more Energy Saver Tips

Websites:  www.fypower.org

               www.energystar.gov

               www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com

Numbers:  Metropolitan Water District (213-217-6000)

               & Websites    www.mwdh2o.com

               Southern California Gas Company (800-427-2200)

                www.socalgas.com

               LADWP (800-342-5397)

               www.ladwp.com

               Southern California Edison   (800- 655-4555)

               www.sce.com