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Energy costs are just one of many expenses that can make it difficult to make ends meet. OPPD understands the difficulties and has these tips on how to save money by saving energy:
Tips with no cost:
- In warm weather, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible.
- In cold weather, set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible.
- Turn off lights & ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms.
- Set water heater at 120o, unless dishwasher requires 140 o.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Unplug unused electronics and chargers.
- Clean refrigerator condenser coils each year.
- Use energy saving setting on all appliances.
- Make sure furniture and drapes are not blocking air registers.
- Close the damper when you’re not using your fireplace.
Low cost tips that typically will pay back money spent in less than a year:
- Use compact fluorescent lights in lamps and other fixtures that are on a lot.
- Install plastic storm window kits on windows.
- Install an insulation jacket on your water heater.
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets.
- Seal large leaks in heating ducts.
- Clean or change your system’s air filter monthly.
- Have a licensed contractor check your heating equipment each fall.
Medium cost tips that typically will pay back your investment in less than four years:
- Seal air leaks from the inside and install a ventilation system for fresh, filtered air.
- Install and use a programmable thermostat.
- Insulate basement walls to R-18 or better.
- Insulate attic to at least R-49.
- Insulate vaulted ceiling to at least R-25.
Medium cost tips that typically will return your investment in five to ten years:
- Buy only EnergyStar-rated appliances.
- Install quality storm windows on single-pane windows.
Higher cost improvements that will take less than 20 years to return your investment:
- Replace old cooling system with ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioner or heat pump.
- Replace old heating system with ENERGY STAR-rated furnace or heat pump.
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