In the Kitchen
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Set the refrigerator temperature to 34 – 37 degrees Fahrenheit and freezer temperature to 0 – 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
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If you are heating water on the stove, use hot tap water instead of cold.
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Use cold water for garbage disposal.
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Remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Turn it off after cooking.
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Use a slow-cooker instead of simmering foods on the stove.
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Use dishwasher’s air-dry cycle instead of the heat-dry cycle to dry dishes.
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Fix dripping faucets.
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If rinsing dirty dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, do so with cold water.
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Use microwave for cooking when possible.
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Turn off coffee makers when not in use.
In the Family Room
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Check for energy saving settings on flat-panel TVs like automatic brightness control and a power saving sleep mode.
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If you don’t unplug them, use energy-saving modes or automatic sleep functions on electronics.
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Turn off stereos and radios when not in use.
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Turn large-screen TVs off completely when not in use.
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Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer.
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Check to be sure return air grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases.
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Unplug battery chargers when not needed.
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Do not close supply air registers.
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Turn off unnecessary lighting.
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Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.
In the Laundry Room
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Use bath towels at least twice before washing them.
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Check that the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to dryer and inside wall fitting.
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Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads.
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Clean dryer’s lint trap before each load.
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Dry consecutive loads to harvest heat remaining in dryer from last load.
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If you must do smaller loads, adjust the water level in the washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water.
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Ensure all new appliances, electronics and lights are ENERGY STAR® labeled.
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Minimize clothes drying time by using an auto moisture sensor, if available.
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Consider using a “solar-powered” clothes dryer: an old fashioned clothes line.
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Only do full laundry loads.
In the Bathroom
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Don’t let the water run while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.
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Install water saving shower heads.
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Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
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Set water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Try to limit shower length to 5-7 minutes.
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Turn off bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans 15 minutes after the job is complete or ENERGY SAVER TIP: install 15 minute timers on bathroom ventilator fans.
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Fix dripping faucets.
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Insulate exposed hot water lines.
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Use bath towels at least twice before washing them.
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Install a water heater wrap, also known as a water heater blanket, per manufacturer’s instructions.
Energize Efficiently
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