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> Conserve Water in the Bathroom

> Kinston Energy Efficiency Credit Program

> NC Public Power's Energy Depot

> NC Weatherization Assistance Program

The following tips are provided courtesy of NC Public Power at www.ncpublicpower.com and Water-Use It Wisely at www.wateruseitwisely.com.


Electricity

More than 50 percent of annual energy costs come from your home's heating and cooling systems. Check the filters in your air conditioning and heating systems monthly and change them as needed. Vacuum dust and lint from all air intakes and outlets. Clean filters allow air to move more freely and systems to work more efficiently.

During the summer months, set your thermostat no lower than 78° F. Below 78°, each successive degree increases your energy costs by three percent. Use fans instead of, or in addition to, air conditioning. Remember to turn fans off when rooms are unoccupied. Close windows, drapes and blinds during the hottest times of the day.

Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom when showering. This reduces the amount of hot, moist air circulating in the house. Remember to turn the fan off after 20 minutes.

During the winter months, set your thermostat between 68° and 72°. Heat pumps operate differently than other types of heating systems, so follow the recommendations for your particular heating system.

Limit use of portable space heaters.

Check for air leaks in duct systems, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, baseboards and around windows and doors. One-third of a home's total heat loss is through unsealed windows and doors.

If the duct system needs to be sealed, be sure to use a quality mastic sealant.

Close the fireplace damper securely when not in use.

Install weather stripping along the doorframe and a door sweep on the bottom of the door.

To seal windows, use plastic window film, available at home-improvement stores. Seal window edges and cracks with caulk. If windows are old and leaky, consider buying new energy-efficient windows.

Insulate your home. If your home has little or no insulation, look into adding some.

Replace conventional light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). CFLs use a fraction of the energy that traditional bulbs use and can be found at home-improvement stores.

Purchase energy efficient products when replacing appliances and heating and cooling systems. Look for ENERGY STAR® products.


Water

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.

If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.

Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.

When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.

Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.

When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.

Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.

Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.

Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.

If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

Bathe your young children together.

Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.

Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.

Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.

If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.

Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.

Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.

Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.

Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.

When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.

When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.

Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.

When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.