Energy Money Saving Tips

Great River Energy offers some simple steps which will help reduce your energy costs. Using combinations of the following measures can save you 10 percent to 50 percent on your energy bills.

Adjust thermostats. Turn down your thermostat during cool months and turn it up when air conditioning, especially when the building is not occupied. Install a programmable thermostat to accommodate your weekly schedule.
Reduce the hot water temperature. Reducing the temperature on your water heater thermostat can decrease heat loss from your tank. For washing hands, you may be able to turn the temperature to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Dishwashing may require higher temperature settings such as 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Many dishwashers now have a temperature boost, allowing you to keep your water heater temperature set at a lower temperature.
Install water flow restrictors and aerators in sink faucets. These measures can save you money by reducing water use (including hot water).
Reduce lighting expenses. Turn lights off when they're not in use. Compact fluorescent lighting is the most efficient lighting on the market today. These bulbs use 70 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Several wattage sizes are available to fit any of your lighting needs.
Seal heating and cooling ductwork. Leakage from areas such as joints, elbows and connections can be substantial-as much as 20 percent to 30 percent. This is especially costly if the ducts travel through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements or crawl spaces. Use duct tape or caulk to seal ducting.
Install proper amounts of insulation to save heating and cooling energy. Our recommendations are insulation values of R-45 or more in the ceiling and attic, and R-20 or more in the walls. Install Low-E windows for added efficiency.
Replace air filters regularly and follow maintenance schedules for furnace and air conditioning equipment. Replacing a dirty air filter can save money by reducing the amount of electricity needed to run a blower motor (because there is less resistance to airflow with a clean filter).
Clean heat exchangers and perform routine maintenance on refrigeration equipment. These simple measures will ensure the most efficient operation of heat exchangers needed for cooling.
Seal off unused areas and don't heat or cool these areas. Storage areas represent a good place to start; turn off heating and cooling to these areas.
Turn off equipment when not in use. Don't underestimate the energy savings you can get by turning off unused televisions, stereos, computers, etc.
Seal exterior cracks and holes and ensure tight-fitting windows. Small cracks or holes in the building exterior (like walls, windows, doors, ceiling and floors) can really add up to substantial heating or cooling losses. Install weather stripping and caulking to stop these air leaks.
Shade sun-exposed windows and building walls. Sunlight streaming through windows in the summer can substantially increase your air conditioning costs. During the cooling season, use shading methods (like window coverings, awnings, trees and bushes) wherever possible.
Don't heat or cool the outdoors. Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible. Block and insulate unneeded windows and other openings. Aside from the important security benefit, covering unneeded windows and doors can greatly reduce energy losses.
Be energy conscious when replacing appliances