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Homeowner Hikers

Savings Ideas

First Step

Thermostat Setting	Set thermostat to 68° F or lower in the winter and 78° F or higher in the summer.
Online Energy Survey	Evaluate your energy use and learn simple steps to savings.
Lighting	Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Ceiling Fan	Set your air conditioner higher and use ceiling fans to increase comfort level. Turn off fans in unoccupied rooms.
Extra Refrigerator	Unplug and recycle your second refrigerator.
Dishwasher	Let dishes air dry by propping the door slightly after the final rinse cycle.
Refrigerator	Check door seals on refrigerators and freezers. Place a dollar bill in the door as you close - if it does not hold firmly, the seal is worn and needs to be replaced.
Clothes Washer/Dryer	Do only full loads when using the washer and dryer. Clean the dryer filter after each load. Use the cold water wash and rinse cycle when possible.

Second Step

Lighting	Install 14-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of 60-watt incandescent bulbs. You can save up to $30 a year.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance	Check filters every month and clean or replace if needed. Conduct professional maintenance on a yearly basis to ensure proper efficiency. GRU has a Central Air Conditioner Maintenance rebate available.
Thermostat	Install a programmable thermostat. Program it to turn off or adjust overnight and when not at home.
Air Conditioning Unit (Outside)	Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but be careful not to block airflow. You can save up to 10%.
Weatherize	Caulk, seal or apply weather stripping around all windows and outside doors, or where plumbing, duct work and electrical wiring penetrate exterior walls, floors or ceilings.

Final Step

Refrigerator	If 10 to 15 years old, consider replacing with an energy - efficient refrigerator.
Central Air Conditioner	If 10 to 15 years old, consider replacing with an energy-efficient air conditioner. GRU has Central Air Conditioner rebates available.
Clothes Washer	Consider replacing an older clothes washer with an energy efficient front-loading clothes washer.
Water Heater	If 10 to 15 years old, consider replacing with an energy-efficient gas, electric or solar water heater. GRU has Natural Gas rebates and Solar Water Heater rebates available.
Windows	If older, single pane or jalousie, consider replacing with energy-efficient windows. You may be eligible for a federal tax credit.
Duct Leak Repair	Hire a GRU-approved contractor to evaluate duct work and seal leaks that occur between ductwork junctions and around air handler cabinets. GRU has a Duct Leak Repair rebate available.