20 Hot Tips for Energy Efficiency
Natural gas is a good solution for many comforts of home: heating, cooking and using hot water. But in the winter months, bills can add up as we crank up the thermostat while still using all of our other gas-fueled appliances. Here are some tips to help conserve energy and increase efficiency, which may help in keeping costs down.
Furnace
The number one money saver here is a programmable thermostat. According to ENERGY STAR, the average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills - nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings. Click here for information about purchasing a programmable thermostat, including the recommended settings.
Other tips for reducing your heating bill:
- Set the thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees (health permitting!) and wrap up in a throw or sweater.
- Keep air vents and registers clean and unobstructed by furniture or draperies.
- Close vents in unused rooms.
- On sunny days, use the sun to help warm the home by opening up curtain and blinds.
- Have your furnace serviced annually by a qualified contractor to ensure maximum energy efficiency. Southwest Gas maintains a list of licensed contractors, or call 1-800-654-2765 for a referral.
Oven and Stove
- Bring water to a boil with the lid on the pan to speed cooking time.
- Make sure the pan fits the burner to increase energy absorption, reducing the amount of heat lost.
- When baking or roasting, use glass or ceramic pans. You can turn down the oven temperature about 25 degrees and foods will cook just as quickly.
- Use the oven light to check on the roast or cake; each time you open the oven door, the oven loses about 20 percent of its heat.
Water Heater
- Set the water heater thermostat at the lowest temperature that still provides sufficient hot water. Southwest Gas recommends 120°F for most households. (If you have a dishwasher, check to see if you can use 120°F water. Follow the manufacturer's directions.)
- Replace showerheads and faucets with efficient, low-flow models.
- Wash clothes using cold or warm water, and rinse them in cold water. (Most washing machines have a setting for this option.)
- Only use dishwashers and washing machines for full loads.
- Every time you use the "rinse hold" setting on the dishwasher it uses up to seven gallons of hot water, so only use this feature when absolutely necessary.
Clothes Dryer
- Don't put clothes in the dryer that don't need it. Check the garment's label and line dry when directed by the manufacturer.
- Lighter materials that dry quickly may also be line or air dried; install wall-mounted collapsible dryer racks or use a free-standing rack.
- Separate lightweight clothes and heavier items (like sweatshirts and towels) for more energy-efficient drying.
- Remove and clean the lint filter in between loads to help the clothes dry faster, therefore increasing efficiency.
- Periodically remove any buildup of lint and dust from the dryer exhaust, the back of the dryer, and behind the lint screen.
For more tips on increasing energy efficiency in your home, visit www.energystar.gov.
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