Simple Tips

Stopping energy leaks is a lot easier than you think. It doesn't require a lot of time or a lot of money. Here are a few tips from your local electric cooperatives…the energy experts.

Around the House

Replace your light bulbs. Replace regular light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs consume 66% less energy and last up to 10 times longer! You’ll see the most savings if you replace the light bulbs in the lights you use the most—like in the kitchen, dining room and outside.
High-tech temperature control. Turn your thermostat and air conditioning down when you are away from home. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to automatically control the temperature.
Keep out the cold. Seal cracks near windows and use weather stripping around doors. This keeps the heat in and cold air out. This simple tip could save as much as 25% off your heating/cooling bill.
Check your Insulation. You spend the most money on heating and cooling your home. Inadequate insulation is often the culprit of energy leaks. It's an easy fix and you'll notice a difference immediately.
Window Wraps. Double paned storm windows can cut the amount of heat lost in the winter by as much as 25-50%. If replacing single paned windows is out of your budget, use plastic sheeting to keep out the cold.
Plant a Tree. Landscape around your home for improved energy efficiency. Trees can help shade your home from the hot sun; shrubs can act as a windbreak and keep out the cold winter winds.
Ask the Expert. Helping you stop energy leaks is part of Touchstone Energy's responsibility to you, our cooperative member owners. Talk to one of your local electric cooperative representatives about a home audit and we'll help you find even more ways to stop energy leaks.

In the Mechanical Room

Check Filters Regularly. Make a monthly date to check your furnace and air conditioning filters. Dirty filters can block the flow of air in and out of your home increasing energy costs.
Get Pumped. Replacing your gas furnace with an efficient electric heat pump can help you save as much as 30% on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, unlike traditional heating sources, electric heat pumps offer year round comfort keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Wrap it up. A water tank insulation wrap is inexpensive but the savings are significant. Adding pre-cut insulation wraps to pipes leading to your water heater can also stop energy leaks.

In the Kitchen

Keep the faucet on cold if you are only using a little bit of water. You are still using energy to heat the water, even if it never reaches the faucet.
Match the size of the pan to the burner. You’ll waste nearly 40% of your cooking energy if you place a six-inch pan on an eight-inch element.
Put a lid on it. The next time your cooking dinner for the family put a lid on your pots and pans. This will help cook the food faster so you use less energy.
Use a toaster oven for smaller meals. They use one-third-to-half as much energy as turning on the oven. Microwave cooking uses even less.
Chill out. Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy consumers in your house. To keep it from leaking energy set it between 37 and 40 degree Fahrenheit. Keep your freezer at or slightly above zero, it will keep food frozen and use less energy.
Fill up the fridge. Having plenty of food in your refrigerator keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. But be careful not to cram it too full, otherwise the cool air will not circulate properly.
Keep it Closed. When baking don't open the oven door to take a peek. Opening the door lowers the temperature inside - by as much as 25 degrees. This increases cooking time and wastes energy. If you use glass or ceramic pans, you can turn your oven temperature down 25 degrees and foods will cook just as quickly.

In the Living Rooms & Home Office

Unplug. Home electronics, like computers and televisions, can leak energy even when they are turned off. Simply unplugging these electronics when they aren't in use can help cut you energy bill. Don't forget when you go away for the weekend or on vacation unplug all your electronics…every little bit helps.
Reverse it. Just like in the summer, ceiling fans can also help keep your home’s temperature more comfortable during the winter months. By reversing the direction of the fan (running it counter clockwise) you can push the warm air down from the ceiling and force recirculation.
Hit the Switch. How often do you, or the kids, leave a room but don't turn off the lights, TV or video game? Leaving the lights on consume precious energy and over time the costs add up.
Draw the drapes. During the hot summer days keep shades on south facing windows closed so you don't heat up the house with the afternoon sun. During the winter, close drapes at night so you keep the heat from the sun's energy inside your home.
Get a Laptop. Laptops use less energy than desktop computers. When replacing office equipment look for Energy Star equipment, which uses 70% less energy than standard models.
Check for air leaks around recessed lighting. Can lights create open holes into your attic that allows warm and cool air to escape. If you find a leak, its best to consult with a professional before sealing them.

In Laundry and Bathrooms

Fill ‘Er Up. Wash and dry only full loads of clothing. If you plan to wash a smaller load adjust the water-level and temperature to save energy.
Colder is Better. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. About 90% of the energy use by a washer goes to water heating. You can cut your energy use in half by switching your temperature setting from hot to warm.
Drip dry. Use inside drying racks and outdoor lines as much as possible. If you can cut your dryer usage by half you could save approximately $45 a year.
Clean It. Be sure to clean the lint trap in your dyer after each use. This will keep your dryer running more efficiently and it will take less time to dry your loads. Also, keep the outside vent clear for optimum performance.
Check the Clock. Try to limit the use of large appliances-washers, dryers, ovens and dishwashers-during the peak hours of the day. Save these chores for later in the evening when it's cooler.
Hit the Showers in Five. As good as that hot shower feels, cutting down on the time you spend in it will also help you save money on your energy bill. Keep showers to five minutes or less and avoid taking long hot baths.
Restrict the Flow. A flow restrictor typically costs less than a dollar but can cut the cost of taking a hot shower in half.
Turn off fans. Ventilation fans can blow out heated or cooled air so be sure to turn them off after they've done their job.
Unplug it! Just like the electronics in your living room and home office, curling irons, hair dryers and other bathroom gadgets consume energy even when turned off.