PRATT INDUSTRIES INC. 100% Recycled Packaging.

GENERAL

Refuse, Reuse and Recycle!
Switch appliances and other household equipment OFF at the switch – even if it is appliances or equipment are off and are still plugged in they still consume a proportion of electricity
Take out chargers and other equipment off the electric switch if they are not in use
When buying appliances remember to look at the energy rating and buy accordingly
Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. A setting of 120°F is adequate for most home needs

DRIVING

When purchasing a new car, research its fuel economy carefully and ensure the car meets your needs and is efficient for the purpose you need it for
Carpool where possible. Join http://www.erideshare.com/ to reduce your commute fuel consumption
Accelerate slowly and drive accordingly to the speed limit to avoid excessive use of fuel
Avoid carrying heavy load when possible

HEATING & COOLING

Ensure the thermostat setting is revised when the season changes. Only set at a comfortable.
Ensure heating and cooling equipment are maintained on a regular basis to prevent inefficiency, fire and safety
Install insulation on the roof and walls of the house to prevent heated/cooled air from escaping
Install curtains, blinds or double glazed glass to prevent heat/cooled air from escaping the house

LIGHTING

If possible replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Or select 5 areas where lights are most used and replace with compact fluorescent light bulbs
If the room is unoccupied for more than 10 minutes, switch the light off
Clean lighting fixtures every few months – this will ensure the brightness from the light is sustained and less energy is consumed

KITCHEN

Keep your refrigerator at 37°- 40° F and your freezer at 5°F.
Vacuum the condenser coils every three months or so. The coils are located underneath or behind the unit. This will improve the heat exhaustion from the fridge and improve its efficiency
Check the condition of door gaskets by placing a piece of paper against the frame and close the door. If the paper can be pulled out with a very gentle tug, the door should be adjusted or the gasket replaced.
Allow hot food to cool off before putting it in the refrigerator.
If possible, place refrigerators and freezers away from direct sunlight, ranges, and heating equipment
Never put a second refrigerator in the garage. If you need a second unit, put it in the basement.
Wash only full loads of dishes - but do not overload dishwasher.
Scrape food off dishes and rinse them with cold water before placing them in the dishwasher. Soak or pre-wash only in the cases of burned-on or dried-on foods

LAUNDRY

Use warm or cold water for the wash cycle instead of hot, and only use cold for rinses. Look at the different laundry detergents available on the market to effectively wash clothes in cooler water
If the weather permits, use a clothes line to dry clothes

Clothes Dryer, Wood Dowel

Load the washing machine to its rated capacity and avoid under-loading
Don't over dry clothes. Use the auto-dry setting rather than the timer if it is available
Clean the dryer filter after each use. A clogged filter will restrict flow and reduce dryer performance.
Dry full loads when possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer

SOURCES

	SAVE ENERGY AT HOME	[Return to ENERGY EFFICIENCY]
	GENERAL Refuse, Reuse and Recycle! Switch appliances and other household equipment OFF at the switch – even if it is appliances or equipment are off and are still plugged in they still consume a proportion of electricity Take out chargers and other equipment off the electric switch if they are not in use When buying appliances remember to look at the energy rating and buy accordingly Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. A setting of 120°F is adequate for most home needs DRIVING When purchasing a new car, research its fuel economy carefully and ensure the car meets your needs and is efficient for the purpose you need it for Carpool where possible. Join http://www.erideshare.com/ to reduce your commute fuel consumption Accelerate slowly and drive accordingly to the speed limit to avoid excessive use of fuel Avoid carrying heavy load when possible HEATING & COOLING Ensure the thermostat setting is revised when the season changes. Only set at a comfortable. Ensure heating and cooling equipment are maintained on a regular basis to prevent inefficiency, fire and safety Install insulation on the roof and walls of the house to prevent heated/cooled air from escaping Install curtains, blinds or double glazed glass to prevent heat/cooled air from escaping the house LIGHTING If possible replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Or select 5 areas where lights are most used and replace with compact fluorescent light bulbs If the room is unoccupied for more than 10 minutes, switch the light off Clean lighting fixtures every few months – this will ensure the brightness from the light is sustained and less energy is consumed KITCHEN Keep your refrigerator at 37°- 40° F and your freezer at 5°F. Vacuum the condenser coils every three months or so. The coils are located underneath or behind the unit. This will improve the heat exhaustion from the fridge and improve its efficiency Check the condition of door gaskets by placing a piece of paper against the frame and close the door. If the paper can be pulled out with a very gentle tug, the door should be adjusted or the gasket replaced. Allow hot food to cool off before putting it in the refrigerator. If possible, place refrigerators and freezers away from direct sunlight, ranges, and heating equipment Never put a second refrigerator in the garage. If you need a second unit, put it in the basement. Wash only full loads of dishes - but do not overload dishwasher. Scrape food off dishes and rinse them with cold water before placing them in the dishwasher. Soak or pre-wash only in the cases of burned-on or dried-on foods LAUNDRY Use warm or cold water for the wash cycle instead of hot, and only use cold for rinses. Look at the different laundry detergents available on the market to effectively wash clothes in cooler water If the weather permits, use a clothes line to dry clothes Load the washing machine to its rated capacity and avoid under-loading Don't over dry clothes. Use the auto-dry setting rather than the timer if it is available Clean the dryer filter after each use. A clogged filter will restrict flow and reduce dryer performance. Dry full loads when possible, but be careful not to overfill the dryer SOURCES http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/retail_services_and_delivery/wise_energy_use/how_to_save_electricity_in_your_home/kitchen_tips.htm http://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-energy-saving-laundry-tips.html http://www.erideshare.com/