Refrigerator Tips

• Clean coils every six months.
• Clean door gaskets, and replace them if worn or cracked.
• Defrost a manual-defrost freezer when the ice is 1/4" thick.
• Keep temperature between 37 and 42 degrees.
• Locate away from heat sources, such as dishwashers and ovens.
• Cover liquids, and let hot food cool before putting inside.
• Buy a new EnergyStar^TM refrigerator if yours is more than 15 years old.
• Look into Alameda Power & Telecom's Efficient Refrigerator Rebate and Recycle Program.

When Cooking

• Use your microwave oven, toaster oven, pressure cooker and crock pot whenever possible. They use less energy than full-size stoves and ovens.
• Keep oven, stove and burner pans, and microwave clean.
• Cook with lids on.
• Use the minimum amount of water to boil or steam foods.
• If cooking frozen food, defrost first.
• Shorten pre-heat time. (Only bread really requires it.)
• No peeking (in the oven)!
• Use the self-cleaning feature sparingly, and only when oven is hot.

Indoor Lighting

• Use Energy Star^TM qualified compact fluorescent lights. They last 10 times longer, and use 1/4 the energy of incandescent bulbs.
• Take advantage of Alameda Power & Telecom's rebate program for compact fluorescent lights in April and May every year.
• Use natural lighting. Read by a window, or use light-colored wall paint.
• Turn lights off when you leave a room, or install occupancy sensors.
• Use fluorescent tube lighting if design permits.

Outdoor Lighting

• Use motion sensors or photocells to turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn, and to activate lights only when needed.

Using Hot Water

• Keep your water heater at 120 degrees, and turn it down when you go on vacation.
• Insulate water heater and pipes. Use an insulating blanket for the heater.
• Use energy-saving settings on dishwasher and washing machine.
• Wash full loads of laundry.
• Wash clothes in cold water when possible (and dry on a clothes line!)
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

Staying Warm

• Insulate floors, walls, and attic.
• Use insulating drapes, and close them at night.
• Turn down the heat at night, and when no one is home.
• Use a clock thermostat or wall-outlet timer.
• Add door sweeps to reduce air flow under doors.
• Reduce window leaks with rope caulk, weather-stripping or plastic storm windows.
• Seal air leaks with caulk or expanding foam. Leaks commonly occur in window, door and baseboards, and plumbing and wiring openings.
• Look into Alameda Power & Telecom's Weatherization Cash Grant Program for homes heated with electricity.
• More tips on weatherization...

Keeping Cool

• Use a fan instead of air conditioning; look for EnergyStar^TM labeled ceiling fans.
• To minimize direct sun through windows, add sun screens, reflective films, awnings or shutters.
• Replace the air conditioning filter annually.
• If possible, locate window air conditioning units in the shade.
• Limit hot water use and cooking during the day to reduce heat indoors.
• Use kitchen and bath fans to remove moisture and heat.
• Plant shade trees, especially on the east, south, and west sides of your home.
• More tips on keeping cool...

Home Electronics

• Turn off your computer when not in use.
• Make sure your office equipment and electronic equipment carry the EPA Energy Star logo. Computers made to these standards use far less energy by "powering-down" when not in use.

Water Bed Heater

• Just like mom said - make your bed!
• Turn it off when you are away for a few days.

If you'd like more tips and information, call 202-429-0063 for your copy of the "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings" from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, or visit www.aceee.org and look under Consumer Resources.