{"id":38623,"date":"2022-12-28T15:50:57","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T22:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/?page_id=38623"},"modified":"2023-03-01T14:48:32","modified_gmt":"2023-03-01T21:48:32","slug":"energy-conservation-ways-to-save","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/energy-solutions\/understanding-your-electricity-usage\/energy-conservation-ways-to-save\/","title":{"rendered":"Energy Conservation \u2013 Ways to Save"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"faqs-list accordion\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41437\" class=\"accordion-item post-41437 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Heating<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line nav-uppercase nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Be Smart with your Thermostat:<\/strong> Electric Furnaces and Electric Zonal Heat (Baseboards, in wall, or ceiling cable)<br \/>\nTurn down your thermostat while sleeping or away from your home. Install a smart thermostat to make sure your home is comfy again before you wake up or return home. Setting the heat at 55 when you\u2019re sleeping or away from home could save as much as 10% on your heating costs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Be Smart with your Thermostat: Heat Pumps<\/strong><br \/>\nAsk your heating contractor, or call Flathead Electric to find out how much you can turn down your thermostat at night or while away for the day before your expensive electric backup is turned on when you change your thermostat back to a comfortable temperature. If you want to save more install a smart thermostat that allows bigger set-backs on your thermostat and then will return your home to comfy without the energy penalty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wear the layered look:<\/strong> Consider wearing layers of clothing inside the house. It will keep your body heat in and you won\u2019t need to turn up the thermostat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep the warm air in:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dampers:<\/strong> Chimneys are designed to suck smoke out of your house but will continue suck away your comfort if you don\u2019t close the damper when they are not in use.<\/li>\n<li><strong>AC Units:<\/strong> Remove your window AC during the winter or seal over it on the inside with a cover to prevent cold air from sneaking in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Let the sun shine in:<\/strong> Open the shades on south facing windows during the day to let the sun in and close them at night to keep the warmth in.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep your heat flowing:<\/strong> If you have furniture or curtains in front of your wall\/baseboard heaters or register vents, you could be blocking the heat they\u2019re delivering. Each fall, check to be sure the heaters or vents are not blocked.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use your zone heating:<\/strong> If you have baseboard, wall heaters, or ceiling cable heat turn down the thermostats in unused rooms and close the door. Zone heating like this can produce energy savings of more than 20% compared to heating both occupied and unoccupied areas of your house.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Be smart with your space heater:<\/strong> You can save on heating costs if you use a space heater to heat where you are in the home rather than turning on your furnace and heating the whole home. Be sure to turn off the heater when you\u2019re not in the room.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Insulate your home properly:<\/strong> Proper insulation will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and more comfortable! Call FEC to discuss how much to install for an efficient home, find out if you could qualify for a rebate to upgrade your insulation, or learn about tax credits for upgrading.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Attics:<\/strong> Attics are usually the easiest and the least expensive areas of the house to insulate and provide the greatest insulation benefit. Insulation not only saves energy, it has a lot to do with how comfortable you feel. FEC recommends at least R-60 attic insulation for an efficient home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Walls:<\/strong> An efficient home in our climate will have R40 or more on the walls above the ground. The next time you replace the siding don\u2019t miss out on the opportunity to upgrade your wall insulation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Basements and Crawl Spaces:<\/strong> An efficient home in our climate will have R21 or more insulation on any walls below the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Air Seal your home:<\/strong> Air sealing is one of the most significant energy efficiency improvements you can make to your home. Before improving your insulation make sure you have sealed it properly. Call FEC to learn more.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Weather-stripping:<\/strong> Make sure your exterior windows and doors fit tightly with good weather-stripping. This will help reduce cold drafts in the winter and cool air escaping in the summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Attics\/crawlspaces:<\/strong> Hire a professional or talk with FEC about how to air seal your attic and crawlspace to prevent the comfy air you have paid to heat from being wasted heating the outdoors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a smart thermostat:<\/strong> For optimal heating efficiency, convenience, comfort, and energy savings install learning thermostat. These thermostats learn your preference for temperatures in your home and work to meet them while saving you on heating costs by finding ways to operate your heating system less.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep it clean:<\/strong> A furnace with a dirty filter has to work harder to get the comfy warm air into your home. Check filters preferably every month but at least twice during the heating season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seal your furnace ductwork:<\/strong> Unsealed heating ducts that are under mobile homes, in attics, or in un-insulated crawlspaces cause comfort issues and may direct your heat to the outdoors. Duct sealing can save you up to 20% of the electric heating portion of your bill. Flathead Electric offers a rebate to help seal your ductwork.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take advantage of your landscaping:<\/strong> You probably know that trees help improve air quality and enhance the appearance of your property and neighborhood. You may not realize that trees planted properly can reduce your heating and air conditioning needs. Trees planted as windbreaks will protect your home from winter winds and reduce your heating needs by 10 to 40%. For help with species and planting location professional arbor culturists can be found at the Association of Montana Turf, Ornamental, and Pest Professionals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get yourself a fan:<\/strong> Installing and using an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan to circulate the air can lower both your heating and cooling costs. Be sure to run the fan on reverse during the winter to push warm air down off the ceiling.<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrading your electric furnace: <\/strong>Heat pumps are an energy efficient option for replacing your inefficient electric furnaces. Not only do they provide high efficiency heat but they also provide air conditioning. FEC offers rebates for heat pump systems installed by approved contractors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade your Baseboards or in-wall Heaters:<\/strong> Ductless heat pumps are a cost-effective way to displace zoned electric heat such as baseboards, wall units or ceiling radiant heat without installing costly ductwork. These units can help you save up to 50% of the heating cost you pay with zonal electric. In addition Ductless Heat Pumps provide high efficiency air conditioning in the summer. Flathead Electric offers a rebate for the installation of ductless heat pumps in qualifying existing electrically heated homes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade to Energy Star Windows:<\/strong> FEC recommends replacing your old inefficient windows with new Energy Star ones. Properly installed, energy efficient windows are warmer inside and reduce drafts. New windows can save you energy, increase your comfort, and increase your home\u2019s value. FEC offers rebates for window replacements in qualifying homes.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41438\" class=\"accordion-item post-41438 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Cooling<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line nav-uppercase nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Use fans and shut off the AC:<\/strong> A fan (ceiling or portable) uses less than 5% of the energy an air conditioner may require. Ceiling fans are an energy-efficient option for cooling the spaces you use the most. You may still need your AC on occasion but save with a fan. Remember, if you plan to leave for a few minutes or more, turn your fan off. Running it while you\u2019re not there is wasteful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Let the cool air in:<\/strong> During the cooler morning and evening hours, open your windows and use the outside air to cool your home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep the sun out:<\/strong> During the day, keep your drapes or blinds closed for windows with eastern, southern, and western exposures can help reduce heat from the sun.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turn it up:<\/strong> Increase the thermostat setting of your central air conditioner and save on cooling costs. We suggest that you set your cooling thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when you are home and turn it off when you are away to achieve maximum savings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep vents clear:<\/strong> An obstructed vent wastes both energy and money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep your AC cool:<\/strong> Place portable or window air conditioning units out of the direct sunlight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it in:<\/strong> Keep your doors and windows closed when you have the air conditioner on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Avoid heating your home:<\/strong> Appliances such as dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers give off heat, so try to avoid their use during the hottest times of the day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use Small Appliances in the Kitchen:<\/strong> Use a crock pot, toaster oven, or microwave instead of your full-sized range or oven to keep your home cooler and save energy. These small appliances use only 20 to 50% of the energy needed to cook the same meal on your stove top or oven.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Shade your house: <\/strong>Use landscaping, awnings, and overhangs to provide shade around the outside of your home. A shaded house is easier to cool than one in direct sunlight. Exterior window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plant a tree:<\/strong> You probably know that trees help improve air quality and enhance the appearance of your property and neighborhood. You may not realize that planting shade trees on the southwest and southeast corners of your home will keep your home cooler during the summer months. If you have air conditioning, shade trees can reduce your cooling needs by 20 to 100% depending on the size and type of tree and the design of your home. See Water Conservation: Landscaping for additional information on landscaping for energy efficiency.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Maintain it:<\/strong> Proper maintenance helps your air conditioner run more efficiently. Replace your furnace filters every few months during the cooling season. It\u2019s also important to keep the area around the outside compressor free of weeds and debris \u2013 check each spring before you turn on the AC for the first time. You\u2019ll improve your air quality as well as save energy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tune up the AC:<\/strong> Have a professional clean and inspect your central AC unit every other spring to ensure that it is tuned and ready for the summer. You\u2019ll save energy and extend the life of your system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspect the seal on your window A\/C unit:<\/strong> With time, the seal around your window air conditioner can degrade, allowing freshly cooled air to escape back outside. Inspect the seal each spring and replace it if needed.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade your central AC: <\/strong>When you replace your central air conditioner consider an energy efficient central air conditioner that uses less electricity to cool your home. The higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), the lower the electric bill will be for you. Talk to your local air conditioning contractor about high efficiency units<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade your central AC and heating at the same time:<\/strong> Consider upgrading your heating and cooling systems at the same time to a high efficiency Heat Pump which will help you save energy in the winter and summer. If you have an electric furnace a heat pump could save you up to 50% of your heating costs. Rebates and loans are available from Flathead Electric for qualifying installations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade your window AC:<\/strong> If you choose to replace your primary room air conditioner be sure to read the ENERGY GUIDE label to help you select the most efficient room air conditioning unit. The higher the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) number the lower the electric usage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade window AC and heating at the same time:<\/strong> If you have electric zonal resistance heat (baseboards, in-wall, or ceiling radiant) consider upgrading your heat and AC at the same time with the installation of a Ductless Heat Pump. Ductless Heat Pumps are twice as efficient as electric resistance heat and have<strong> very high AC efficiency. Rebates and loans are available from Flathead Electric for qualifying installations.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41439\" class=\"accordion-item post-41439 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Water Heating<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line nav-uppercase nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Adjust your thermostats:<\/strong> You can save 3% of the operating cost for every 10\u00ba Fahrenheit you reduce the temperature on your electric water heater. Flathead Electric recommends setting your water heater temperature to 120\u00ba F. This will save money on your energy bill and possibly extend the life of your water heater. Remember, water temperatures above 120\u00ba F can cause burns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flush it (your water heater):<\/strong> Flush the sediment out of your water heater to maintain efficiency. How often depends on the quality of your water. Flush it every 6 months, and if you do not get much sediment, switch to every year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Clean with cold water:<\/strong> Save the hot water for showers and if possible, do household cleaning with cold water.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use less laundry water:<\/strong> If your clothes washer has a water level selector, use the lowest practical level for each load of clothes. If there is no water level-selector wait until the washing machine is full before starting the laundry.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wash your laundry in cold water:<\/strong> 90% of energy consumption for washing clothes comes from heating the water. Utilize cold water with a cold water detergent to get your clothes just as clean and save. Besides, they\u2019ll fade less and have fewer wrinkles. You might even save on ironing. Save washing in warm water for whites or hard to clean items. Not sure if this will work for you? Start small: rinse in cold water and wash in warm. If this works, try a cold rinse with cold wash.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Run full loads of dishes:<\/strong> Washing full loads will reduce the amount of energy and water required to clean your dishes. One full load costs less to run than two smaller loads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Skip the Pre-Rinse:<\/strong> Don\u2019t use the pre-rinse cycle on your dishwasher. Normally it is not necessary with today\u2019s dishwashers. Skipping it can save as much as 20 gallons per load or 6,500 gallons per year plus the cost of heating that water.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take shorter showers:<\/strong> Reduce your shower time. Even eliminating just a couple minutes per shower can really add up since every minute you cut from your shower time saves an average of 2.5 gallons of water and the energy used to heat the water.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Going on Vacation:<\/strong> Turn the water heater thermostats down to a low or vacation setting. For even better energy savings; if there is no risk of freezing turn off your water heater at the electric panel when you are on vacation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider install location for a new water heater:<\/strong> Installing water heaters in conditioned space will prevent you from paying to heat the great outdoors (or your unheated garage, crawl space, etc.) If you have no other option, insulate the space (crawl space or garage) to prevent excessive heat loss.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Fix those drips:<\/strong> If you have a leaky faucet, you\u2019re pouring money down the drain. A slow drip can waste up to 450 gallons of water a month. If it\u2019s hot water, you are not only paying to heat the water, but you are paying for the water, and may be paying for the disposal as well. If you have a domestic well, pumping costs are also a factor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Install low flow heads\/faucets:<\/strong> Showers can account for over half of the hot water consumed in a home. Low-flow shower heads are a great way to save both energy and water, up to 11% of your water use or 2,300 gallons a year (Based on EPA water sense). Faucet aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets also reduce water flow, saving energy and water. Lower hot water usage means lower utility costs for you! Shower heads and aerators can be purchased at most hardware stores. Worried that you will feel like you are showering under a trickle? Ask around, find a friend with a low flow shower head that they are happy about.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stop heating your home with your water heater:<\/strong> Wrapping an insulation blanket around your hot water tank will reduce the heat loss from your water heater and will save on your energy bill. You can buy an insulation blanket for your water heater at your local hardware store and install it yourself. It can save as much as 9% on your water heating costs. Before you install a blanket check the caution label on your water heater. Some newer models come with adequate insulation levels and may prohibit installing a blanket. Otherwise add the insulation and start saving!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Insulate hot water pipes:<\/strong> Insulating your hot water pipes saves you money. You also won\u2019t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or shower head, which helps conserve water. Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It\u2019s also a good idea to insulate the cold water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stop going in circles:<\/strong> If you utilize a continuous loop circulation system install a timer to limit time of operation to match with your schedules or call FEC to learn about other smart control options. Continuous circulation systems can turn the water heater into a space heater. Insulate all the pipes in the loop and make sure it is enclosed in a well insulated space in the home to prevent heating the outdoors. Consider shutting it off in the summer to prevent heating your home during the AC season.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider a high efficiency heat pump water heater:<\/strong> Water heaters are usually the second largest energy user in a typical home after space heating. A heat pump water heater uses heat pump technology to save over half of your water heating costs. FEC offers a rebate for the installation of heat pump water heaters in qualifying homes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New Dishwasher:<\/strong> Is your dishwasher more than 10 years old? Replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model will save you energy and water since ENERGY-STAR-rated models use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption and a third less water.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New Clothes Washer:<\/strong> If you are considering replacing your washing machine or it needs significant repairs, you can reduce your washing costs by as much as 70% by replacing your washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR\u00ae labeled model. These models can also reduce your detergent use, reduce clothes drying time, and cut water use by 30% or more which could equal 6000 gallons per year. Less water also means a lower water bill. FEC offers a rebate for the purchase of a high efficiency clothes washer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Install a drain water heat recovery system:<\/strong> Remodeling? Capture the heat from your shower drain with a drain-water heat recovery system to reduce the energy needed to heat your water. Any hot water that goes down the drain carries away energy with it. That\u2019s typically 80 to 90% of the energy used to heat water in a home. Drain-water heat recovery systems capture this energy to preheat cold water entering the water heater or going to other water fixtures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Install a solar hot water system:<\/strong> Install a solar hot water system to supplement your existing electric water heater. A SHW system preheats the water that goes into your existing water heater and reduces the amount of electricity your water heater consumes by 50 to 70%.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41440\" class=\"accordion-item post-41440 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Lighting<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line nav-uppercase nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Let the sun shine in:<\/strong> Why use the lights when you can use the sun? Open blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of natural light (it is free.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use task lighting:<\/strong> Overhead lights flood a room or area with light, sometimes more than is needed. By using only the light you need to complete your tasks, such as a desk or reading lamp or under-counter lighting, you\u2019ll create ambiance and save energy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use only what you need:<\/strong> Do you ever go into a room and turn on all the lights? Or leave landscaping lighting on all night? Inside and outside, use only as much light as you need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turn it off:<\/strong> When leaving a room, turn off the light if you aren\u2019t coming right back.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep them clean:<\/strong> Dirty or dusty light bulbs don\u2019t put out as much light as clean bulbs.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Switch to Energy Star LED\u2019s:<\/strong> LED\u2019s are now available as long lasting, super-efficient lighting options for all kinds of bulbs. Make sure you buy Energy Star ones to know you are getting bulbs that will last!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Install Lighting Controls:<\/strong> Everyone knows that you can save energy by turning off lights when they\u2019re not needed but sometimes we forget. Lighting controls can be used to automatically turn lights on and off as needed, preventing energy waste.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Motion sensors make sense:<\/strong> These sensors turn lights on and off when someone enters or leaves the room. The garage, basement, and other seldom used rooms are the perfect place for one. They\u2019re also good for exterior lighting. Your lights will only come on when motion is detected. These are also excellent for security lighting, turning the security lights on when motion is detected and automatically turning them off again. Motion sensors can reduce the electricity lights consume by up to 80%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dim the lights:<\/strong> Consider purchasing dimmer switches. They can increase bulb life while reducing electric consumption and operating cost.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Try photocells:<\/strong> Photocells automatically turn on our lights when it gets dark. Then, when it\u2019s bright enough, the photocell turns the lights off. They\u2019re great for outdoor or security lighting because you don\u2019t have to remember to turn them off in the morning. The sunlight will do it for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Decorate in light colors:<\/strong> If you plan to redecorate, think about lighter colors. Dark colors absorb light, so you\u2019ll need more lights to brighten the room.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Let the light through:<\/strong> Lamp shades make a big difference. A lamp with a light colored shade, especially one that\u2019s lined in white, will give the best light. Tall, narrow shades or short, dark-colored shades let less light through.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider low voltage outdoor lighting:<\/strong> If you\u2019re planning to light up your landscaping, install low voltage lighting whenever possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Choose solar for landscape lighting:<\/strong> Solar-powered lights are a great option for decorative lighting along pathways and in landscaped areas. The best part is the sun provides the power to light them up at night.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Replace older Christmas lights with new LED ones:<\/strong> Save energy, reduce fire risk, and help your tree last longer. At the same time install a timer to control the times the lights are on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plan for that vacation:<\/strong> If you\u2019re going away, you\u2019ll probably want to leave some lights on for security reasons. If so, consider buying timers to turn your lights on and off instead of leaving them on 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Choose Energy Star light fixtures:<\/strong> When you\u2019re adding or replacing light fixtures, choose styles with the ENERGY STAR rating. They use at least 75% less energy than standard fixtures and come in a wide variety of styles and colors.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41441\" class=\"accordion-item post-41441 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Water Usage<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line nav-uppercase nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-indoors\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_indoors\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_indoors\"><span>Indoors<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-outdoors\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_outdoors\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_outdoors\"><span>Outdoors<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_indoors\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-indoors\"><\/p>\n<h3>In Your Bathroom<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Twist the Tap:<\/strong> Don\u2019t run water in the sink while shaving, brushing your teeth or lathering your face and hands.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Economize:<\/strong> Take shallow baths, shorter showers and consider bathing small children together.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t Trash it:<\/strong> Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy carefully:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toilets:<\/strong> When purchasing a new toilet consider the options; like a water-saver or dual flush toilet. A cheaper toilet that uses more water may cost you more in the long term.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shower heads and Faucets:<\/strong> Low-flow shower heads and faucets are a great way to save water, up to 11% of your water use or 2,300 gallons a year (Based on EPA water sense). Faucet aerators on your bathroom faucets also reduce water flow, saving energy and water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>In Your Kitchen<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Twist the Tap:<\/strong> Clean vegetables or rinse dishes in a pan of water, not under a running faucet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Be smart quenching your thirst:<\/strong> Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator to avoid running the tap to get a glass of cool water. However, don\u2019t linger with the refrigerator open!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy Carefully:<\/strong> Low flow faucets and the installation of faucet aerators will reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_outdoors\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-outdoors\"><\/p>\n<p>Watering our landscaping is a normal part of life in the spring, summer, and fall. By taking a few simple steps you can use water more efficiently, increase your property value, and decrease your heating and cooling costs. Energy Savings through proper watering does not necessarily entail decreased watering.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to work with someone who is trained in arboriculture to determine proper watering of the landscape at your home. In addition, these professionals will aid in proper placement of new trees and shrubs to provide decreases in heating and cooling consumption and the largest increase in property value.<\/p>\n<h3>Water Properly<\/h3>\n<p>Different plants types need different amounts of water and watering schedules. Pay special attention to the correct watering of your trees.<\/p>\n<p>Use timers to ensure watering occurs for the proper amount of time.<\/p>\n<p>Utilize different watering techniques (sprinklers, soaker hoses, etc) for the proper purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Do not water what does not need water. Concrete and asphalt do not need water.<\/p>\n<h3>Reduce Water Requirements<\/h3>\n<p>Mulch plants generously to retain moisture in the root zone.<\/p>\n<p>Focus on planting native or water-wise species in appropriate locations to bolster water and energy savings.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\n<h2>Appliances<\/h2>\n\r\n\r\n\t<div class=\"faqs-list accordion\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41443\" class=\"accordion-item post-41443 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Washer &#038; Dryer<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Fill it:<\/strong> Run your washer and drier with full loads unless the washer and dryer have automatic adjustment for smaller loads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Separate:<\/strong> Lightweight and heavy clothes take different lengths of time to dry. If you wash by weight of the fabrics you can save on your drying costs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wash your laundry in cold water:<\/strong> 90% of energy consumption for washing clothes comes from heating the water. Utilize cold water with a cold water detergent to get your clothes just as clean and save. Besides, they\u2019ll fade less and have fewer wrinkles. You might even save on ironing. Save washing in warm water for whites or hard-to-clean items. Not sure if this will work for you? Start small: rinse in cold water and wash in warm. If this works, try a cold rinse with cold wash.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take advantage of residual heat:<\/strong> Why heat the dryer up to operating temperature for every load? Dry multiple loads of clothes in a row to take advantage of the residual heat in the dryer which helps dry the subsequent load.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get the lint out:<\/strong> Clean your dryer\u2019s lint screen after every use and check and clean the dryer venting system at least once a year. Besides keeping your clothes looking good, a lint-free dryer works much more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check your hose and faucet connections:<\/strong> Check for hose cracks and leaky faucet connections. Both can cause you to lose water (or worse: hot water) every time you wash a load of clothes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t overwork your clothes:<\/strong> Most clothes need only a 10 to 15 minute wash cycle to get clean. Over drying will make them stiff, wrinkled, and nearly impossible to iron. They\u2019ll wear out faster too! Wash and dry for only as long as necessary.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dry them for Free:<\/strong> Install a clothesline and use the sun to dry your clothes. It\u2019s free, and the only energy it requires is yours to hang them on the line.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>New Clothes Washer:<\/strong> Reduce your washing costs by as much as 70% by replacing your washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR\u00ae labeled model. These models can also reduce your detergent use, reduce clothes drying time, and cut water use by 30% or more which could equal 6000 gallons per year. Less water also means a lower water bill. FEC offers a rebate for the purchase of a high efficiency clothes washer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New Clothes Dryer:<\/strong> Save on your dryer costs but choosing an Energy Star rated model or even better a heat pump model to save more! FEC offers a rebate for the purchase of Energy Star Dryers.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41444\" class=\"accordion-item post-41444 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Dishwasher<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Fill it up:<\/strong> Washing full loads will reduce the amount of energy and water required to clean your dishes. One full load costs less to run than two smaller loads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dry them for free:<\/strong> Use the air dry function on your dishwasher.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Skip the pre-rinse:<\/strong> Don\u2019t use the pre-rinse cycle on your dishwasher. It is not necessary with today\u2019s dishwashers. Skipping it can save as much as 20 gallons per load or 6,500 gallons\/year.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>New Dishwasher:<\/strong> Is your dishwasher more than 10 years old? Replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model will save you energy and water since ENERGY-STAR-rated models use at least 40% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption and a third less water.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41445\" class=\"accordion-item post-41445 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Refrigerator\/Freezer<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you\u2019re like most people, chances are your refrigerator\/freezer is one of the largest single consumers of energy in your home, gobbling up about 8% of your household\u2019s annual energy costs. Why? It is on 24 hours a day using between 100 and 200 kilowatt hours a month.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it clean:<\/strong> To maximize your refrigerator\u2019s efficiency, clean the coils every three months (or as often as necessary) keeping them free of dust.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pull the Plug:<\/strong> Unplug and recycle any non-essential refrigerator and freezers. Some people keep their old refrigerator or freezer in the garage, but it is sitting their sucking money out of your bank account. FEC will provide you with a rebate to recycle those old units.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fill it up:<\/strong> Keep your refrigerator and freezer full but not overloaded. It takes more energy to cool an empty area but too much food in either compartment can prevent cold air from circulating properly. Utilize bottles filled with water to take up unused space and provide a nice cool drink on a hot summer day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it closed:<\/strong> Keep the refrigerator\/freezer door closed. Every time you open the door you increase the energy consumption by 10% until the set temperature is reached again. So make your decisions before you open the door and get everything you need quickly and at one time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it cool:<\/strong> Keep your refrigerator and freezer in a well-ventilated, dry, and cool place out of the sun and away from your oven, stove, water heater, clothes drier, and any other warm location. A 10% increase in temperature around a fridge can result in 20% higher energy consumption.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Set it Properly:<\/strong> Set your refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees. Set your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it level:<\/strong> A refrigerator that\u2019s not level may cause the door gasket to seal improperly letting the cold air leak out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep foods covered:<\/strong> Covering foods will reduce moisture build-up on the inside of the refrigerator. Also, wipe moisture from bottles and other containers before placing them in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Defrost as required:<\/strong> Defrost your freezer when ice or frost build-up is 1\/4\u2033 or thicker.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t cool it if you aren\u2019t going to save it:<\/strong> Think about those leftovers before putting them in the fridge. Are you really going to eat it? Why cool something you\u2019ll probably throw out anyway?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plan for Vacation:<\/strong> If you\u2019re going away for a few days, get rid of foods that are likely to spoil. If you are going to be gone for more than a month, consider cleaning out your refrigerator, unplugging it and leaving the doors open.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it maintained:<\/strong> A refrigerator works best when it has been properly maintained. The seals around refrigerator and freezer doors dry out and stop sealing well over time, allowing cooled air to escape and wasting energy. Check to be sure your seals are still good by closing the door on a $1 dollar bill and slowly pulling it out \u2013 no resistance means that cold air is escaping even when the door is shut and you should replace the seal or adjust the door, if possible.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Purchase a new refrigerator\/freezer:<\/strong> When you need a new refrigerator or freezer, be sure to choose an ENERGY STAR model. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal. For even greater efficiency, choose a refrigerator with the freezer compartment below or above the fridge rather than a side-by-side model. Along with efficiency, be sure to compare cubic footage and purchase a model that matches your needs.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41446\" class=\"accordion-item post-41446 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Oven\/Range<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your food budget doesn\u2019t stop at the checkout counter. Here are some suggestions to help you save energy and money when cooking.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Give your range or oven the day off:<\/strong> Microwave and toaster ovens are good ways to reduce your cooking costs. Microwave and toaster ovens use less energy compared to the standard electric range\/oven when heating up or re-heating foods. They also give off much less heat which is especially important in the summer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t preheat if you don\u2019t have to:<\/strong> If you\u2019re baking breads and cakes, preheating your oven may be necessary. But for most foods (casseroles and broiled items) preheating simply isn\u2019t necessary. It\u2019s an energy and money waster.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it closed:<\/strong> Remember, every time you open your oven door you lose approximately 25\u00b0F of heat. This means your food will take longer to cook and your oven needs to work that much harder to keep the temperature consistent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Boil until boiling and not a minute longer:<\/strong> Once water or other liquids reach a state of boiling, they won\u2019t get any hotter. If you need to bring something to a boil, use the smallest amount of water necessary and turn the burner down or off when it starts to boil.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Think smart\u2026 plan your meals:<\/strong> A meal like roasted chicken, green bean casserole, and brownies can all be cooked at the same time because they cook at the same temperature. It is easier on you and your oven too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cover it up:<\/strong> Covers and lids on your pots and pans trap steam to help cook food faster.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pay attention to pots and pans:<\/strong> Pans with flared sides or bottoms that are smaller than your burner let heat escape. Try to match the size of the pot or pan to the size of the burner. If pots and pans are too big, or have warped bottoms, food will not cook evenly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use your leftovers:<\/strong> Your oven and range have leftovers too. An electric oven can stay hot for up to 30 minutes. Even your electric range top burner can stay hot for an extra 3 to 5 minutes. Take advantage of this extra heat by warming up desserts or rolls. After all, you\u2019ve already paid for it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep your oven clean:<\/strong> An oven that\u2019s free of grease and baked-on residue will work more efficiently. Utilize the self-cleaning feature only when absolutely needed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thaw first, then cook:<\/strong> Plan ahead. If you thaw your foods completely before cooking, your oven won\u2019t have to work so hard to cook your meal.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade to an induction range:<\/strong>\u00a0An induction cooker is faster and more effective than a traditional electric cooking surface. It allows instant control of cooking energy similar to gas burners. Other cooking methods use flames or red-hot heating elements; induction heating heats only the pot. Because the surface of the cook top is heated only by contact with the vessel, the possibility of burn injury is significantly less than with other methods. The induction effect does not directly heat the air around the vessel, resulting in further energy savings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upgrade to a convection oven:<\/strong>\u00a0A convection oven is an oven that has fans to circulate air around food. Conventional ovens which do not have fans, rely primarily on radiation from the oven walls, and to a lesser extent, on natural convection caused by temperature differences within the oven, to transfer heat to food. In contrast, the fans in convection ovens allow more heat to be transferred. Fans help distribute heat evenly around the food, removing the blanket of cool air that surrounds food in an oven, allowing food to cook more evenly in less time and at a lower temperature than in a conventional oven.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41447\" class=\"accordion-item post-41447 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Pools\/Spas<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Use the optimal temperature settings:<\/strong> A sufficient temperature for spas is 102\u00b0 F or lower. Higher temperature water can be a safety hazard and cost you a lot more money to maintain that temperature. Check on the accuracy of your pool or spa thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat can increase consumption needlessly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do not over-filter:<\/strong> Filtering is a major cost of owning a pool or spa. The average spa requires a minimum of one hour of filtering a day; just enough to maintain water clarity. An average swimming pool often requires approximately 4 to 5 hours of filtering each day in the summer.<br \/>\nGenerally, one complete water exchange every 24 hours will provide adequate filtering. If you use a pool maintenance service, ask about reducing the hours of filtration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turn off those bubbles:<\/strong> Bubbles may be soothing, but they cool down the water, making the heater run longer to keep the water warm.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Invest in a pool or spa cover:<\/strong> You can save as much as 90% of your summer pool heating costs by using a solar cover. Not only does it help minimize nighttime heat loss (up to 5\u00b0 F), but it will also prevent chemical loss and water evaporation (hundreds of gallons per month). When shopping for a cover, keep these features in mind: durability, price, warranty, transparency of material, insulation values, and safety.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Protect your pool or spa:<\/strong> Wind has the same effect on your pool or spa as blowing on hot soup. It will cool it off and increase evaporation. Well-trimmed hedges, trees and shrubs, gazebos, and fencing can all provide a nice windbreak.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider a timer:<\/strong> A timer gives you day-to-day, automatic control of your filter and heater which will reduce your operating costs.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Go with efficiency:<\/strong> When you replace your filter pump motor consider purchasing an energy efficient model.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Go Solar:<\/strong> Solar pool heating systems are especially effective during the summer months and can back up a regular pool heater in the spring and fall. A solar pool heating system can be a significant investment, so make sure the savings have a payback period of less than or equal to the useful life of the equipment.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<article id=\"post-41448\" class=\"accordion-item post-41448 hwcp-faqs type-hwcp-faqs status-publish hentry faqs_category-ways-to-save-appliances\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" class=\"accordion-title plain\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"toggle\"><i class=\"icon-angle-down\"><\/i><\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Home Electronics<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"tabbed-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav nav-line-bottom nav-normal nav-size-normal nav-left\" role=\"tablist\"><li id=\"tab-no-cost\" class=\"tab active has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_no-cost\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab_no-cost\"><span>No Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-low-cost\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_low-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_low-cost\"><span>Low Cost<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"tab-smart-investments\" class=\"tab has-icon\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"#tab_smart-investments\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"tab_smart-investments\"><span>Smart Investments<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"tab-panels\"><div id=\"tab_no-cost\" class=\"panel active entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-no-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vanquish the Vampires:<\/strong> Up to 75% of electricity used by home electronics is consumed when the electronics are turned \u201coff.\u201d Any device that has a clock, a remote control, a little glowing light, or a charger draws power continuously unless unplugged. To conserve this power, simply unplug them or turn off the power strip they\u2019re plugged in to when they\u2019re not in use. Save \u2013 A \u2013 Watt and Save Money!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Play it safe:<\/strong> Besides wasting energy, leaving electric appliances and equipment on unnecessarily will cause them to wear out faster. It may also be a significant safety hazard. So, play it safe and turn them off when you\u2019re through.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Put your computer to sleep:<\/strong> Screen savers do not save energy and are no longer necessary for extending screen life. Instead, save energy when you\u2019re away by turning it off or enabling the power saving mode on your computer. If you\u2019re using the power saving settings set the computer to go into sleep or hibernate mode after 15 minutes of no activity. You\u2019ll save energy and extend the life of your computer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Turn Down your TV display:<\/strong> Most televisions are shipped from the factory with the screen at it\u2019s brightest setting which isn\u2019t needed for optimal viewing at home. To save energy and improve the picture quality dim the screen using the TV\u2019s settings.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_low-cost\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-low-cost\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t be a blockhead:<\/strong> It is only necessary to operate your engine block heater for a few hours prior to starting your vehicle. Larger block heaters are the equivalent of running a space heater continuously outside and add unnecessarily to your bill. FEC recommends using a timer to control the hours of usage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Use a smart strip:<\/strong> Instead of just a standard power strip, use a smart strip to control home electronics such as media centers and computer stations. Strips are available that either turn outlets on and off on a timer, via occupancy sensors or by designating one device (such as the TV or computer) as the control device and switching off everything else when the control device is turned off.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<div id=\"tab_smart-investments\" class=\"panel entry-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-smart-investments\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pick a Laptop:<\/strong> If you\u2019re shopping for a new computer, consider purchasing a laptop instead of a desktop. Aside from all the convenience of a portable computer, they also use 75 to 90% less energy than a desktop. Because they\u2019re designed to efficiently use batteries, laptops use less power to operate and come with pre-programmed energy-saving settings that put them to sleep.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Choose an Energy Star Computer:<\/strong> Energy usage is an important consideration when purchasing a new computer. An ENERGY STAR labeled laptop or desktop computer uses as much as 70% less electricity than computers without this designation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy Energy Star home office equipment:<\/strong> When you\u2019re in the market for new office equipment such as printers, faxes, scanners, choosing an energy efficient model is a smart choice. Office Equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR helps save energy through special energy-efficient designs, which allow them to use less energy to perform regular tasks, and automatically enter a low-power mode when not in use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy Energy Star Televisions:<\/strong> ENERGY STAR qualified TVs use about 30% less energy than standard units.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-content\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/article>\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Appliances<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":41383,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_searchwp_excluded":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38623"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38623"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41450,"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38623\/revisions\/41450"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flatheadelectric.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}