Nationwide Energy Partners

Nationwide Energy Partners ®

There are several ways to reduce your energy bills and do some good for the planet in the process. One way to get started is by conserving or reducing your energy usage. Below are some tips to help you start conserving around your home.

Conservation: Cut Back on Energy Usage

Leave A/C or heat on during the day. It takes more energy to restore your home to the desired temperature. Instead, adjust the temperature a few degrees accordingly when you leave.
Turn off water faucets when shaving, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. On average, water faucets run at about 5 gal./min. You.re better off filling the sink with a shallow amount of water for these activities.
Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched off.
Wash clothes in full loads or change the setting of your machine for half loads if possible. Most washing machines use 40+ gallons of water per load on average.
Open your blinds and drapes on sunny winter days to help warm your home naturally. Close them in the evening to lock in the warmth and keep cold air out.
Turn your water heater down to 120°F. For each 10°F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in energy costs.
Plug electronics such as TV's, DVD players, and computers into power strips and turn the power strips off when not in use. These devices will otherwise continue to draw power when switched off or in standby mode.
Unplug small kitchen appliances such as coffeemakers and toasters when not in use.
Consider purchasing a computer with the Energy Star label. These computers use nearly 70% less electricity than similar computers without this designation.
Install a programmable thermostat to maintain comfortable temperatures in the summer and winter.
Close doors and shut off vents in rooms that are not in use.

Efficiency: Cut Back on Wasted Energy

Make sure vents and air returns are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Use Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs and waste up to 75% less lighting energy.
Switch to sleep mode on your computer instead of using screen savers and waste 50% less energy.
Use three-way lamps. They allow you to adjust to lower lighting levels when brighter light is not necessary.
Select the appropriate water heater for your home or pool. Your water heater can account for nearly 25% of household energy consumption. Getting the right one will make sure your home is efficient and your energy bills minimized.
Raise your thermostat 5°F in the summer and lower it 3°F-5°F in the winter and save up to 20% annually on your energy bill.
Use rechargeable batteries as opposed single-use batteries. Rechargeable batteries are less wasteful of energy and are better for the environment. If you must use single-use batteries, check with your trash removal company for safe disposal options.
Install a programmable thermostat to maintain comfortable temperatures in the summer and winter
Consider purchasing appliances and electronics with the Energy Star label. These products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Run the dishwasher with full loads to maximize the 12 gallons used per wash.
Replace or clean your furnace filters once a month. Clean filters allow for better airflow and decreased energy usage.
Close blinds or angle them upwards in the summer to deflect direct sunlight and keep your home cool.
Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load to improve air circulation (and minimize a potential fire hazard).
Install water saving shower heads or flow restrictors to minimize water usage.

Consciousness: Be More Aware of Energy Consumption

A typical shower uses nearly 20 gallons less hot water than a bath.
Hair dryers generally require 1,200 to 1,800 watts, while the largest microwaves need around 1,100 watts.
Plasma TV's use 2 to 4 times more energy than LCD TV's.
The smallest of leaky faucets can account for as much as 7 gallons of wasted water a day.
Heating and cooling account for nearly 33% of your home's energy usage. Large appliances and electronics account for 26%. Your water heater consumes around 12% and lighting around 11%, leaving 8% for miscellaneous items such as phone chargers and stereos.
A typical household's annual utility bill is around $1,900.

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