Saving money on your utility bill is easier than you think! Use the following electricity conservation tips to reduce your monthly bill in any season.  For more useful tips, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star website.

Electricity Conservation Tips
1	Heat or cool only the rooms you are using. Close off unused rooms.
2	Set your thermostat at the highest or lowest comfortable setting for each season. Try 72°F or higher in the summer and 68°F or lower in the winter.
3	Run your pool pump in the evening or early morning hours and reset your pool timer to run during off-peak hours. If you have a pool heater, set it at 78 degrees or lower.
4	Shade outdoor air conditioning equipment and keep it low to the ground to reduce energy consumption by 40% or more. Keep outside heat pumps clear of debris and snow.
5	Clean or replace cooling or heating filters monthly.
6	Have your heating and cooling equipment serviced or chdecked at least once a year.
7	Be sure that drapes are not blocking vents.
8	Close drapes and shades to keep direct sunlight out and lower your cooling costs in summer.
9	Keep drapes open during the day to allow sun and closed at night to lower your heating costs in winter.
10	Insulate your home and caulk/weather-strip around doors and windows to reduce both cooling and heating costs. These openings can consume up to 40 percent of your home's heating and cooling energy.
11	Seal leaks around wall outlets and switches.Install door “shoes” or “sweeps” to stop air from sneaking in or out under outside doors.
12	Install door “shoes” or “sweeps” to stop air from sneaking in or out under outside doors.
13	Insulate your attic.
14	Make sure your wood burning fireplace damper is closed when not in use to prevent cooled or heated air from escaping up the chimney.
15	Use the bathroom exhaust fan during and for a short time after bathing or showering to reduce heat and moisture build-up.
16	Shift energy-intensive tasks like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak demand hours (i.e., weekdays before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m., all weekend long and all day on holidays).
17	Wash full loads in your dishwasher and let the dishes air dry. Air-drying your dishes may reduce your dishwasher's energy usage by 40 percent.
18	Reduce the water heater thermostat setting to 120º F and reduce use of heated water for clothes washing. (Caution – some dishwashers require 140º F water.)
19	When using the electric range, plan ahead and cook a number of dishes or meals for later use. Open oven doors only when necessary.
20	Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use: lights, TVs, computers, microwaves, CD players, etc. "Standby power" usage can account for up to 30 percent of your home electronics energy. Be sure to check the owner's manual to make sure this won't impact the memory or performance of the machine.
21	Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power down while on, but not in use for awhile. Turn them off altogether during long periods of non-use to cut utility costs and extend longevity.
22	When buying new appliances, look at the yellow Energy Guide label and buy only energy-efficient appliances.
23	Invest in storm windows or use clear plastic window insulation to help stop cold air from leaking into your house in the winter.
24	Use electric space heaters sparingly – they are expensive to run.

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