|
|
|
|
Energy conservation is important. Southwest Gas recommends utilizing these valuable online resources which provide great ideas on energy conservation:
|
 |
Making a few energy-efficient improvements in your home can make it more comfortable and save you money. |
| 1. Adjust the Thermostat |
During the heating season, set your thermostat between 66 & 68 degrees, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Turning down the thermostat can save you about 2% of your heating bill for each degree that you lower the thermostat.
Turning back your thermostat 10 degrees at night can save about 7% in heating costs.
Installing a programmable thermostat can automatically reduce the temperature setting at night as well as when you are away from home.
|
|
 |
| 2. Replace Filters Regularly |
Make it a habit to clean or replace furnace or air conditioning filters monthly.
Clogged filters waste energy and make your heating and cooling system work harder than necessary.
|
| 3. Routine Furnace Inspections |
Southwest Gas recommends that qualified contractors inspect your natural gas furnace annually to help ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently.
The company's Energy Specialists can refer you to qualified contractors to perform this inspection.
|
| 4. Seal the Gaps |
Caulking and weather stripping spaces around doors and windows, or installing inexpensive switch-plate gaskets between the outlet and an exterior wall will prevent the loss of precious energy dollars.
About 2 percent of the heat loss in your home can occur through switch and plug outlets on exterior walls.
|
| 5. Let Nature Help |
During the heating season, open shades, blinds, and draperies in rooms that receive direct sunlight to take advantage of the sun's warmth.
Be sure to close them before the sun sets to preserve the heat.
|
| 6. Close Fireplace Damper When Not In Use |
When you're not using your fireplace, make sure you close the damper to keep the warmth of your home from escaping up the chimney.
Since most building codes now require damper stops for natural gas fireplaces to prevent them from being fully closed, keep the glass doors on you fireplace closed when it's not in use.
|
| 7. Use Household Appliances Efficiently |
Washing full loads when using your dishwasher and washing machine saves time, detergent, and energy. (An automatic dishwasher uses the same amount of hot water for both small and full loads.)
Drying laundry loads one after another dries clothes faster because the dryer doesn't have to reheat after each load.
Make sure you clean the lint filter after every load to save energy and speed drying time.
|
| 8. Conserve Heat In Your Oven |
Preheat your oven only when needed - and never for more than 10 minutes.
Arrange the oven racks before you turn on the oven, because an oven loses about 20 percent of its heat every time the door is opened.
Using a timer instead of frequently opening the oven door to check on food will also save energy.
|
| 9. Conserve Hot Water |
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets will keep your energy dollars from going down the drain.
Using cold-water laundry detergents, along with a warm wash/cool rinse setting, can help you save energy and reduce costs.
It's the detergent that brightens whites and kills germs.
|
| 10. Limit Use Of Exhaust Fans |
In just one hour, exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom can deplete a house of its warm or cool air.
Turn fans off as soon as they have completed their job.
|
| 11. Repair Leaky Faucets |
Leaky faucets can waste gallons of water in a short period of time.
Repairing leaky faucets saves energy and a precious resource, too.
|
| 12. Don't Forget Your Natural Gas Water Heater |
Water heating is the third largest energy user in your home.
To reduce your water-heating costs, turn the dial on your water heater and set it to
"low" (120°F), use an approved water insulated blanket (unless manufacturer indicates otherwise), and insulate the water pipes at the top of the water heater.
If no one is going to be at home for one week of more, turning down the dial of your water heater to the lowest setting can also save energy dollars.
|
For more information on home energy efficiency or
high-efficiency natural gas appliances,
please contact the Energy Specialists at
1-800-OK-GAS-OK (654-2765),
visit the EnergyStar Web site at
www.energystar.gov,
or call 1-888-STAR-YES (782-7937). |
|
|
|
