Ramsey County

Making $ense of Dollars and Cents

June 23, 2008

Energy Saving Tips for the Good Ol’ Summer Time

    An average household spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But there are ways you can lower your energy bills and be environmentally friendly at the same time

          Be a speedy chef
    The fastest and most energy efficient appliance in your kitchen is your microwave.  A typical microwave uses two-thirds less energy than a stove.  Quick cooking foods in the microwave on hot days will keep your kitchen cooler.

          Use your dishwasher
    Plate for plate, a full dishwasher uses less water than washing the same amount of dirty dishes by hand. Change your dishwasher setting so the dishes air-dry to save even more and remember, to run full loads of dishes.

          A full fridge is cooler
In addition to keeping your family happy with lots of food choices, having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. This in turn means, your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.

          Turn up the air  
    Set your thermostat on your air conditioner to 70 degrees or warmer when you are home and to at least 80 degrees when you are away. Use your energy dollars to cool your house when you are home to enjoy it. Using ceiling or room fans also allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.

          Wash Cooler
    Today’s laundry detergents are designed to clean clothes efficiently in either warm or cold water. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.

          Remember clotheslines?
    Line dry clothes whenever you can. When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use.

          Check for energy leaks
    Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use-most new electronics use electricity when plugged in- even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip. Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't really need it. This may save you up to $150 per year.

          Where is your air conditioner?
    If possible, keep your room air conditioner out of the sun. Room air conditioners work best when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing wall is usually ideal.

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524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu