• Use trees and roof overhangs to protect the windows frolll the sun.

• Install the water heater as close as possible to areas of major usc to cut clown on heat loss through the pipes.

• Install wind-powered roof \'entilator fans to ventilate thl' attic.

• If the base of a house --especially a mobile home - is ex­posed, build a "skirt'' around it.

Now is the time to begin saving energy in your home. En­courage every member of your family to save energy. Saving energy will save money for vour familv ancl help to balance Amei·ica' s energy budget.

CIRCULAR HE-266 Genta S. Speakman

Housing And Equipment Specialist Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5620

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May B and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U~S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn University, Ann E. Thompson, Director, offers educational programs and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap and is an equal opportunity employer CP, 2M11, 5:89, HE·266

CIRCULAR HE-266

Energy Saving Ideas in the Home )>

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ENEHGY DEMANDS in the United States are higher now than they have ever been. Our resources are strained, and our supply of some forms of energy is short. vVe are close to an energy crisis. Each time you leave an unoccupied room lighted or a television set playing to an empty space, you contribute to the energy crisis.

Although the United States has only about 6 percent of the world's population, we use almost one-third of the world's energy supply. Our energy use is related to our high standard of living. Almost 20 percent of all the energy consumed in the United States is used in our 70 million households.

Conserving energy is essential. 'Ve must start saving energy as if it were money. Even though your own contribution toward energy conservation may seem small, the combined practices of millions of Americans can greatly reduce our total energy require­ments. By working together we can balance America's energy budget.

HEATING AND COOLING

More than half of the energy used in homes goes into heating and cooling.

• Check the effectiveness of the insulation in your ceiling, walls and floor. A well insulated house should have no less than 6 inches of insulation in the ceiling, 3% inches in the walls and 2 inches in the floor over crawl space or an unheated basement.

• 'Veatherstrip and caulk around all windows and doors.

• Install storm windows or double-pane glass windows. Or tape a sheet of clear plastic film over the windows.

• vVrap heating and cooling ducts that pass throu~h space> that are not heated or cooled. Use fireproof insulation.

• Seal air leaks to the attic and crawl space, such as around doors, ceiling fans, heating ducts, etc. But don't close the attic and crawl space louvers because they are needed to prevent moisture buildup.

• Close the flue when the fireplace is not in use.

• Keep heating and cooling equipment in good operating condition.

• Clean or replace air filters on heating and cooling systems at least once a month for more efficient operation.

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• Rinse dothes in cold water.

• Avoid overdrying dothes in the dryer.

• Line drv clothes when practical.

• Dry full loads of laundrv.

• Keep the lint filter in the dryer clean.

• Select fabrics and garments that do not require ironing.

• Organize ironing to conserve energy.

;u isccllaneous

• Organize cleaning to shorten the time the vacuum cleaner is in use.

• Dust instead of using the vacuum cleaner attachment for furniture.

• Empty or replace vacuum cleaner hag frequently to keep it functioning efficiently.

• Limit the use of personal care appliances.

• Turn off radio, stereo or TV when no one is listening or watching.

• Disconnect an instant-on TV when ou are not using it regularly.

HOME PLANNING

When selecting or designing a new home, consider things that will make the home more energy efficient.

• Plan your home only as large as the needs of your family. Remember you must heat, cool, light and clean it.

• Provide more insulation than required in minimum stan­dards.

• Use double-pane glass throughout the house.

• Install windows you can open, so that you can use natural ventilation in moderate weather.

• Orient the house so that you do not have large unshaded west windows.

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• Begin cooking foods on high heat; then reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting for cooking.

• Prepare a double recipe of foods that require long cooking time. Store or freeze the remainder.

• Plan to use the oven for complete meals.

• Open the oven door only when necessary during cooking.

• Preheat the oven only when necessary. Place foods in the oven the minute the desired temperature is reached.

• Thaw frozen foods before cooking.

• Use timers and thermometers to cut cooking time.

• Pressure cookers cook foods in one-third the time needed with traditional methods and use lower temperature settings.

• Use small appliances for cooking, baking and toasting.

• A microwave oven is more efficient than a conventional oven for oven cooking.

• Reduce the number of refrigerator door openings by re-moving several items at one time.

• Allow foods to cool before storing in the refrigerator.

• Keep grills and evaporator coils clean.

• Defrost the refrigerator when the frost becomes t;~ inch thick.

• Locate refrigerator and freezer so air can circulate around them.

• Locate refrigerator and freezer away from any heat pro­ducing appliances or heat source.

• Operate the dishwasher with a full load of dishes.

• Let the dishes in the dishwasher air dry. After the final rinse, turn off the control knob of the dishwasher and open the door.

In The Laundry

• Wash full loads of laundry.

• Wash clothes only as long as necessary to get them clean .

• Use water no hotter than necessary for adequate soil re­moval and sanitation.

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• In winter set the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. Consider the advantages of a clock thermostat which will automatically turn the heat down at a regular hour before you retire and turn it up just before you wake.

• In summer set the air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.

• If your home will be empty on a summer day, set the air conditioner thermostat at a warmer setting or turn it off.

• Reduce heating temperatures when away from home for long periods of time. But don't turn it off because freezing weather could damage plumbing and appliances.

• Turn the air conditioner off when away from home for long periods of time.

• \Vear heavier clothes in winter.

• \Vear lighter clothes in summer.

• Close off unused rooms.

• Close the door of an attached garage in the winter. How­ever, never run the car engine with the garage door closed.

• Arrange furniture, draperies and carpet to keep from block­ing air registers or return air outlets.

• Close curtains or shades to save heat on winter nights. Open them on cold bright days to take advantage of the sunshine.

• Take advantage of the cool night air in the summer. \Vhen the outside temperature drops below the temperature inside your home, open the windows. Open the windows at the top to let hot air escape and at the bottom to let cool air in.

• Use window and attic fans for cooling during the summer when the outside temperature is below the temperature in the home.

• The temperature in your attic can reach 140 to 160 degrees on a hot day. Install a small attic vent fan to exhaust the heat and keep it from radiating downward through your home.

• A light-colored roof on your home will reflect the sunlight and help prevent heat buildup.

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• Close curtains or shades on the east and west sides to keep the sun's rays out during the summer.

• Provide shade trees, awnings or a roof overhang to shade windows from the summer sun on the east and west sides.

• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when neces­sary.

• Cut down on the use of heat producing appliances in the summer, such as the iron, oven, television set, etc.

• Vent the clothes dryer to the outside.

• Buy the cooling equipment with the smallest capacity for the space to be cooled. It is better to buy a slightly undersized unit than an oversized one. Energy-efficiency ratios ( EER) for most air conditionJng units should be available from dealers. Window units are labeled to show the EER. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. If you don't see a label in the showroom, ask for the information. ·

HOT WATER

Heating water for household and personal use accounts for about 1.5 percent of the total energy used in the home.

• Set the water heater at 140° F.

• Repair leaky faucets.

• Insulate hot water pipes, especially those under the house .or in unheated areas of basements or attics.

• Turn on the hot water faucet only when hot water is needed.

• Turn off faucets promptly after use.

• Use a rinse pan rather than running the hot water to rinse hand-washed dishes.

• Minimize hot water used in bathing. Check to see if less water is used in showering than in tub bathing.

• Do not leave water running while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.

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LIGHTING

Everyone can economize on energy use through efficient light­ing. This doesn't mean walking around in the dark.

• Turn oft' lights when they are not needed.

• Use lower wattage light bulbs in areas where minimum lighting is needed.

• Use three-way light bulbs and dimmer switches to adjust the amount of light in a room.

• Use fluorescent lights in suitable areas such as kitchen, laundry, hath, playroom, desk. Fluorescent lights are more ef­ficient than incandescent li,ghts.

• Provide light switches at all doorways that are more than 10 feet apart for convenience in turning lights off.

• Use timers to turn lights on at night before you get home rather than leaving lights on while you arc gone.

• Use long-life incandescent bulbs only in hard-to-reach places. They are less efficient than ordinary light bulbs.

• Keep light fixtures clean.

• Use translucent lamp shades with white linings.

• Use light colors in decorating to improve lighting efficiency.

• Open curtains and shades to make use of natural light.

• Keep windows clean.

APPLIANCES

Home appliances take much of the drudgery out of house­keeping. Become thoroughly familiar with the operation of your appliances. Always read the operating instructions in the usc and care booklet before using a new appliance.

In The Kitchen • Turn oft' the oven, surface units or burners promptly when

food is cooked.

• Use pans with straight sides, flat bottoms and tight-fitting lids.

• Use pans that fit the electric unit or gas burner.

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