TO SAVE ENERGY Together We Can Make a Difference
Adjust The Thermostat Heating and air conditioning account for about 55 percent of a home s energy use! In the summer, set your thermostat to 78. In the winter, set your thermostat to 68. Every degree lower than 78 in the summer and every degree higher than 68 in the winter increases your bill by about 3% (3 cents per dollar). If you re going to be away from home for several days, in the summer, set the thermostat to 80 or higher. In the winter, set the thermostat to 55 to keep pipes from freezing. We recommend energy-efficient heat pumps of 11 SEER or higher. A heat pump is one of the most energyefficient ways to heat and cool your home. In the winter, set your thermostat to 68. Conserve Hot Water Wrap your electric hot water heater with a water heater jacket. Set water heater thermostat to 120 or on medium. Wash clothes in cold water when possible. Check for leaky faucets. Run your dishwasher only when it s full. Take a quick shower instead of a bath. You ll use less than half as much hot water. While shaving, don t run the hot water. Insulate the pipes running to and from the hot water tank.
Replace Air & Furnace Filters Every 30 Days Keep air conditioner and furnace filters clean. Aluminum mesh filters should be washed and fiberglass filters should be replaced monthly. Don t block heat registers or cool air returns with curtains or furniture. In the summer, keep the cool air in your home circulating with ceiling, oscillating or box fans. Circulating air makes you feel cooler and allows you to set your thermostat higher. Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs When Replacing Light Bulbs ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs use 70 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For more light, use one large bulb rather than several smaller ones. A 100-watt bulb produces 50 percent more light than four 25-watt bulbs for the same amount of energy. Use low-watt bulbs when lighting is not critical.
Seal Air Leaks Caulking and weather-stripping are the keys to stopping air infiltration from the outside. Air infiltration from the outside is another huge energy loser. In a drafty home, the air may turn over several times an hour, meaning that the home s entire volume of air must be reheated or recooled that often. Weather-strip around doors, windows and wall seams. Seal places where electrical, plumbing or heating systems penetrate your home. Weather-strip the attic hatchway and install insulating gaskets on all electrical outlets and switches. If you have an attic fan that you don t use, seal the opening with a temporary or permanent cover. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. More Ways to Save Dry loads of clothes back-to-back to take advantage of stored heat. To cut down on drying time, clean the dryer lint filter after every load of laundry. Use your oven rather than your range whenever you can. Insulated ovens retain heat and use less energy. Plan meals so several things can cook at the same time in the oven. When cooking, lower the heat once boiling begins. High heat will only make the water evaporate faster. Lights, appliances, and other plug-ins when not in use, turn them off. Clean your refrigerator condenser coils yearly (located on the back or bottom of your refrigerator).
Is Your Home Energy Friendly? So, how well do you think your home stacks up to other homes when it comes to conserving energy? Now you can find out for yourself. Log on to www.entergy-ensight.com and put your home to the test with our Home Energy Calculator. You ll also be able to obtain recommendations from the experts on how to make your home more energy efficient. So what are you waiting for? Log on and start saving! What Uses The Most Energy? Knowing where the big energy users are will help you become a better energy manager. As you can see, heating, air conditioning and water heating account for three quarters of your energy use. 55% Heating/Air Conditioning 20% Water Heating 8% Freezers, Refrigerators 8% Lighting, TVs, Stereos & Radios 5% Food Preparation 4% Clothes Dryer/Dishwasher
For more energy saving tips visit www.entergy-ensight.com Look for the Energy Star logo when buying new appliances. Energy Star approved products are more energy efficient and will help you reduce your energy costs! www.entergy.com 2006 Entergy Corporation