MY ACCOUNT

Conservation Tips

Purchase and install a programmable thermostat. When properly used, it can reduce annual energy bills by $100.
Use compact fluorescent lights. They last up to 10-13 times longer than standard bulbs and use 75 percent less energy.
Take showers instead of baths. A five-minute shower will use about 7.5 gallons of hot water; filling a bathtub can use up to 20 gallons.
Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
Choose ENERGY STAR®: When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The ENERGY STAR® rating program, developed through a partnership between the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996, indicates which appliances are considered energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Install water-conserving fixtures, such as showerheads, faucets and toilets.
Don't leave the fridge door open! Every time you do, up to 30 percent of the cooled air can escape. The same can be said for your oven.
Choose a high-efficiency dishwasher - they use 25 percent less energy than conventional models.

Invest in a high-efficiency oil-fired water heater, which can provide plenty of hot water at a much lower operating cost than an electric unit.
Upgrade your oil burner - a modern burner can cut costs by 15 percent.
Wrap your pipes, to guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing.
Repair weather stripping and caulking.
Check your threshold for any gaps between it and the door. Use a bottom seal that can be attached to the bottom of the door - it should brush up against the floor to seal up the threshold. It virtually stops drafts.
Replace any cracked glass in your windows.
Make sure your ceiling has at least six inches of good thermal insulation.
Avoid using space heaters. They're expensive to operate, and can be dangerous, too.
Install a water heater blanket for greater heating efficiency.

Clear furniture away from air conditioning vents.
Cook on the grill to keep cooking heat outside the home.
Install reflective window coatings to reflect heat away from your home.
Open windows on cool summer days and nights. But remember, a good rule of thumb is to keep the windows closed when the outside temperature is warmer than the inside of your house.
Turn the air conditioner thermostat up to at least 78° or higher, or use a programmable thermostat. Turn air conditioners off when no one is home.
Change or clean your air conditioning filter monthly during cooling season to improve efficiency and the life of your air conditioner.
Make sure the output of your air conditioner is right for the size of your room or house to ensure optimum efficiency and comfort.
Keep drapes, blinds and shades closed during the day to block out the sun.