| Notice I didn't say "how to install" an energy | | | | overall energy use? |
| conservation system. To create an energy | | | | · adjust your heating system thermostat |
| conservation system that's going to reduce your | | | | down in winter, |
| home's energy consumption requires a | | | | · turn your cooling system thermostat up |
| combination of conservation and efficiency, or | | | | in summer |
| choices and technology. | | | | · take short showers instead of long |
| Here's how you create a home energy | | | | baths |
| conservation plan that will help you reduce your | | | | · wash laundry in cold water |
| home's electric bill. | | | | · turn lights of when leaving a room |
| Think about like this: | | | | Now Add Efficiency |
| · Conservation results from conscious | | | | Efficiency is the use of technology to maximize |
| choices over time. | | | | our conscious conservation choices. |
| · Efficiency utilizes technology. | | | | Here's how to apply technology to the |
| Start With Conservation | | | | conservation choices listed above. |
| Conservation is not deprivation or lack. | | | | · Install a digital, programmable |
| Simply put, conservation is being aware of how | | | | thermostat compatible with your heating and |
| much energy your home uses and making | | | | cooling system. Program the thermostat for the |
| behavioral changes in your energy habits. | | | | temperature settings that work for you during |
| Conservation takes into account the final end sum | | | | the day, at night, and while family members are |
| of the energy it takes to maintain your home's | | | | away from home. |
| minimal comfort level. | | | | · Reduce your water heater thermostat |
| The minimum comfort level of your home cannot | | | | to 120 degrees (rather than the manufacturer's |
| be measured against another home. Factors vary | | | | setting of 140 degrees) |
| with each home's location, family size, and family | | | | · Install a timer on your electric water |
| lifestyle. | | | | heater. Set it to automatically come on during the |
| If you live in Maine, your greatest energy | | | | hours your family actually uses hot water for |
| expense may be heating your home; if you live in | | | | showers and laundry. Set it to automatically turn |
| south Texas, your greatest expense may be | | | | off when no one is home to use it. |
| cooling your home. A family of two (2) whose | | | | · Switch to compact fluorescent light |
| members work away from home five (5) days | | | | bulbs (CFLs) when you replace your standard |
| per week need less energy than a family of four | | | | incandescent bulbs. |
| (4) who work from home. | | | | Making conscious decisions to reduce your home's |
| Think about. Look at the ways your home uses | | | | energy consumption coupled with the technology |
| energy. Heating, cooling, heating water, cooking | | | | compatible with your choices, creates a |
| and storing food, lights, laundry, and electronic | | | | personalized energy-reducing plan for your home. |
| equipment. | | | | In a sense, you put your energy conservation on |
| Here are five (5) actions to begin reducing your | | | | automatic pilot. |