Top Ten Resolutions for an Energy-Efficient New Year

Washington, DC () - One resolution that everyone should have on their list for the new year is becoming more energy efficient.  It can help you lower your monthly energy bill, and it can reduce your home's impact on the planet.  Two benefits that will make you feel good about all year long.

To get started, the nation's electric companies offer you the following ten energy-saving tips.  They are easy, cost little or nothing, and you can get started today.  For more information, contact your electric company via their phone or Web site, or visit www.getenergyactive.org.

New Year's Energy-Efficiency Resolutions

• Give your furnace or heat pump a tune up, especially if it's been more than two years since the last one.
• This winter, keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees when someone is home, and 60 degrees when the house is empty or during the overnight hours.  Installing a 'setback' thermostat can do this for you automatically.
• Clean or change the furnace filter every month.
• Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees-check it with a thermometer underneath a faucet.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Wash only full loads of clothes, and use cold water.
• If you're considering a major new appliance, buy one that has earned the EPA's ENERGY STAR label.
• Make it a habit to turn off lights and appliances when no one is using them.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures that are on more than two hours a day.
• Preheat the oven only when called for, and then for only 10 minutes maximum.
  

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The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies. Our members serve 95 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, and represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. electric power industry. We also have more than 65 International electric companies as Affiliate members, and more than 170 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate members.