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5.5%
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Replace existing light bulbs
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Replace existing light bulbs with Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs CFLs). They cost more, but use 75% less energy and last longer than regular light bulbs. If every home in the United States replaced just one bulb it would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for 1 year eliminating 300 lbs. Of CO2 per year - the equivalent of removing 7 million cars from the road.
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0.5%
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Turn off lights
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Turn off lights when you leave the room or don't need them. Make a conscious effort to turn lights off when you leave the room, whether you are returning to the room shortly or not. Over time, the energy savings can add up.
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1.8%
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Take a shorter shower
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Hot water heating accounts for about 13% of the energy use in an average home. Most people take showers that are 5-15 minutes long. If you take 5-7 minute showers you can save a bundle
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3.6%
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Low-flow shower head
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Install a low-flow shower head. These can reduce flow by up to 60%. That saves water and the hot water heating bill.
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4.1%
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Old fridge
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Many people have kept old fridges running either in the basement or vacation home. Unplug a second fridge when you don't need it, especially if it's more than 15 years old.
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1.9%
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Programmable thermostat
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Purchasing a programmable thermostat lets you automatically adjust the temperature while you are at work or asleep. Turn it down 10-15 degrees for 8 hours to save 10% on your home heating.
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1.9%
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Turn down your thermostat in the winter
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Turn down your thermostat by 2-3 degrees F in the winter. Putting on a sweater can really cut your home heating bill.
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0.8%
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|
Turn up your thermostat in the summer
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Turn your programmable thermostat up 10-15 degrees F in the summer while you are at work, asleep o ron vacation to save 10% on your cooling bill.
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4.5%
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Leaky ducts
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Seal and insulate the ducts in your forced air system if you have one. Leaky ducts are an important source of energy inefficiency in a home.
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1.6%
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Run ceiling fans in the summer
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Install and run ceiling fans in the summer. They consume about 60 watts each compared to 3,500 for an air conditioner. Plan on raising the thermostat 4 degrees F while the breeze keeps you cool. Even if you have 4 fans running on high you save energy when the air conditioner is off.
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4.0%
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Add attic insulation
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Add some attic insulation. Roofs should be insulated to a minimum of R-19 in the south and R-32 if you are in a northern location. This can be done by either a contractor or DIY.
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2.8%
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Replace fridge
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Replace your old fridge, even if it's not broken. Your fridge, especially if it's more than 10 years old, uses 2 - 3X the energy of a new Energy Star fridge. The average fridge and freezer consumes 8% of the total home energy bill.
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3.8%
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Upgrade wall insulation
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Upgrade your wall insulation to R-12. This is tough to do unless you are renovating, but it can make a big difference
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