Resources and Links at Georgia Energy Challenge

Adjust the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the heating season 78 degrees during the cooling season.   

Conserve Heat In Your Oven
Preheat your oven only when needed—and never for more than 10 minutes.   

Reduce Lighting
Remove lamps where you have more lighting than you really need, but be sure to maintain safe lighting conditions for work areas. Turn lights off when they’re not in use.

Let Nature Lend a Hand
If windows face south, open drapes during the day to utilize heat from the sun. If you have large windows that do not receive direct sun, close drapes to retain heat.   

Reduce the Hot Water Temperature
Reducing the temperature on your water heater thermostat decreases heat loss from your tank. For washing hands, you may be able to turn the temperature to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Dishwashing may require higher temperature settings, e.g. 130 degrees F (54 degrees C).  

Use Household Appliances Efficiently
Refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers are the biggest energy users and together can cost several hundred dollars a year to operate. Use toaster ovens, pressure cookers, or other small appliances instead of the oven when possible. Do not use dishwashers or clothes dryers until you have a full load. For more information on how to use appliances more efficiently, click here.  

Turn Off Electronic Equipment and Appliances When Not in Use
Utilize the sleep mode available on most computers which, when activated, greatly reduces energy consumption. Unplug items that will not be used for extended periods, as many electronics consume energy even when turned off. Don’t underestimate the energy savings you can get by turning off unused televisions, stereos, printers, copiers, and other electronics. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.  

Seal Off Unused Areas and Don’t Heat or Cool Them
Storage areas represent a good place to start. Turn off heating and cooling to these areas. Block and insulate unneeded windows and door openings.

Keep Exterior Doors Closed as Much as Possible
Don’t waste your money heating or cooling the outdoors.

Reduce Lighting Expenses
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use up to two-thirds less energy and last six to 10 times longer than traditional lighting. For more information on CFLs, including proper disposal, click here.

Install Programmable Thermostats
To control heating and cooling costs, install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your HVAC system.    

Install Automatic Room Lighting Controls
Similar to programmable thermostats, these devices help optimize lighting use by automatically turning lights on or off, depending on occupancy or time of day. Sensors and timers work well and are usually installed by a specialist.

Seal the Gaps
Air can leak into interior areas from the attic, basement, and crawl space and cause heating or cooling loss. Insulate doors and windows with weather-stripping or caulking. Seal around ducts, plumbing, and any other openings in walls or ceilings to reduce air leakage. Install foam gaskets on electrical outlets.   

Replace Furnace and Air Conditioner Filters
The dirtier they are, the harder furnaces and air conditioner have to work so be sure to clean or replace filters regularly. Clean filters are also essential for heat pumps—airflow is critical and can add years to the life of your heat pump.   

Seal and Insulate Duct Work
Poorly sealed ducts can account for 10 to 30 percent of your home’s total heating and cooling costs. It can be especially costly if ducts travel through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Use mastic or mastic tape instead of duct tape to seal ducting.  

Perform Routine Maintenance
Clean heat exchangers and maintain refrigeration equipment. These simple measures will ensure the most efficient operation of heat exchangers needed for cooling.   

Repaint Building Exteriors with Light Colors
When it’s time to repaint the exterior of your building, consider using light colors. More sunlight will be reflected away from the building, thus lowering air conditioning costs—perhaps your largest energy expense. Installing a lighter colored roof will also help.

Install Water Flow Restrictors and Aerators in Sink Faucets
These measures can save you money by reducing water use (including hot water).   

Wrap the Hot Water Tank with an Insulating Jacket
This simple, inexpensive measure will reduce standby heat loss from the tank. Be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered when insulating a gas water heater.   

Buy Energy-Efficient Equipment
When buying or replacing computers, copiers, and other office equipment, compare energy requirements of various models. ENERGY STAR rated equipment has approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.