Energy Conservation

Approximate average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage:

AC Cooling	1,350***
Electric Heat	1,000**
Refrigerator-Freezer	188
Water Bed Heater	140
Lights	100-150
Range	100
Clothes Dryer (4 Loads/wk)	90
Television	45
Dishwasher	30
Electric Blanket	22
Coffee Maker	12
Clothes Washer	10
Microwave	8
Radio	7
Iron	5
Toaster	5
Waste Disposal	1

**Based on a 1,500 sq. foot home. Homes differ in usage according to size, climate, construction, insulation and family living habits.

***Based on a 3-ton unit running 10 hours a day for 30 days.

What is a Kilowatt-Hour?

Electric power is measured in watts. All electrical appliances and light bulbs are sized, or rated, in watts. The term kilowatts mean 1,000 watts. A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts of power used for one hour. One kilowatt-hour will run a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.

Energy Saving Tips

Replace old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.

Use photocells and motion sensors on exterior lights to increase security.

Do consecutive loads of laundry to take advantage of residual heat in the dryer.

For cooling keep thermostat at 78 degrees when home and 85 degrees when away.

Install a programmable thermostat.

Turn off any unneeded lights, computers, copiers and appliances.

Consider insulating, caulking and weather stripping.

Consider installing new windows in older homes.

Close damper on chimney after a fire.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling a home can be costly. Below are some tips to consider:

Check forced-air furnace filters regularly for efficient airflow.

On cloudy days, keep drapes and blinds closed. Drapes and blinds add an extra layer of insulation. On sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let in the sun’s heat.

Don’t block registers, baseboards, radiators or cold air returns, air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency.

Seal heating ducts and insulate those that run through unheated spaces.

Cut up to three percent from your heating costs for every degree you set your thermostat back over an 8-hour period.

Don’t get caught setting the thermostat to a high temperature to heat your home faster. It won’t heat quicker and leaving it there can use a lot of energy.