How to cut your energy costs this winter

These are tips courtesy of the Oregon Department of Energy:

Heating

• Set your heating thermostat to 55 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the daytime when you are home.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically maintain temperatures. (Heat pumps may require a special model of programmable thermostat.)
• Insulate your attic, floor and walls. (12 inches or more is recommended for attics.)
• Replace your single-pane windows with energy-efficient windows.
• Close fireplace damper when not in use.
• Have a tax credit certified technician test and seal your ductwork (see list on Web site: www.oregon.gov/energy)

Water heating

• Set your water heater to 125 to 130 degrees.
• Wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket if it is in unheated space. Insulation blanket costs only about $10 and quickly pays for itself. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Install water-saving showerheads. New models deliver a full spray using less than two-and-a-half gallons a minute. They cost $10 to $20 and are easy to install.
• Install faucet aerators.
• Fix leaky faucets. Thirty drips a minute of hot water wastes 50 gallons of water a month.
• Take a shower instead of a bath. The average bath uses twice as much hot water as a five-minute shower.
• Set a timer when you shower to remind you when five minute is up. Showers make up about 2/3 of your water heating costs.
• Don’t allow hot water to run down the drain. Turn off the faucets immediately after use.
• Insulate your hot water pipes.
• Drain and clean hot tubs if not in use. Use insulated cover.
• Wash only full loads in clothes washer and dishwasher.

Lighting

• Turn off your light whenever possible. Use task lighting, rather than lighting the whole room.
• Replace your indoor standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. The new compact fluorescent bulbs use approximately 70 percent less energy than standard light bulbs. While more expensive initially, they last much longer.
• Replace your outdoor lighting with motion-sensor flood lights or compact fluorescents.

Refrigeration

• Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer.
• Check the temperature.
• Replace your 10-year-old or older refrigerator with an energy-efficient model.
• Discontinue use of a seldom-used second "pop and beer" refrigerator.

Cooking

• Cook several meals at the same time.
• Use a microwave or toaster oven when possible for small quantities of food.
• When heating water for tea or other drinks, heat only as much as you need.