Congressman
John Shimkus

November 2005

Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home

Many of us have heard the recent news reports that the coming winter months will bring with them higher fuel costs and heating bills. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and moneyat home and in your car. By making a few small changes, you can reduce your energy costs by 10% to 50%, and, at the same time help reduce air pollution and dependence on foreign fuel imports.

Save Energy Today

• Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer.
• Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating system.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Air dry dishes instead od using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug in home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn power strips off when the equipment is not in use. (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several wats of power.)
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
• Look for EnergyStar labels on home appliances and products. EnergyStar products meet strict effciency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy

Additional tips for Homes, Cars and Businesses

Assistance

• Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HHS)
• National Energy Accessibility and Affordability Project (HHS)

(Note: All of these tips and more can be found online at the Department of Energy's website.)

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