The Registry Of Nature Habitats - Conservation at Home

Eliminate Wasted Energy - Turn off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use. Don't forget to turn computers and printers off at the power strip!
Turn Up Your Thermostat - During warm weather months, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when you are home, and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. You can save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees.
Use Your Appliances Wisely - To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours – from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – or anytime an electricity emergency is declared. Do laundry more efficiently by using warm or cold water settings for washing your clothes. Always use cold water for rinsing clothes. Line dry clothes whenever you can. When you need to use the clothes dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the lint trap after each use. Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air-dry the dishes instead.
Use Energy Efficient Lighting - Replace regular incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with Energy Star® compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use approximately 75 % less electricity than regular light bulbs and last up to seven years! Buy ENERGY STAR® certified table lamps, light fixtures, or torchieres.
Wrap Your Water Heater - If your water heater is older than 10 years, wrap it with an insulating blanket.
Replace Air Conditioner Filters - Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and save up to 2%.
Plug Your Home's Leaks - Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
Install Energy-Saver Showerheads - This can save not only electricity, but water as well.
Install an ENERGY STAR Thermostat - This can save up to 3% of your electricity use.
Use Energy Efficient Windows - This can save 3% of your electricity use.
Install a Whole House Fan - An attic "whole house" fan draws cooler air into your home and forces hot air out through attic vents. Use it when the air is cool outside and in the early morning hours.
Increase Attic Insulation - Insulate ceilings to R-30 standards if your attic has less than R-19.
Seal Your Ducts - Leaking ductwork accounts for as much as 25 % of cooling costs in an average home. Have your ducts tested and get any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor.
Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances - When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® models. Also, look for seasonal incentives sponsored by utility companies for energy-efficient appliances.

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