Information
provided courtesy of So. Calif. Edison Co.
The following steps can help you
reduce your energy costs and will allow you to do your part in helping with
California's energy crisis.
Use
nonessential appliances such as clothes washers and dryers during off-peak
hours (before noon or after 6:00 p.m.)
Close drapes
and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
Avoid using
evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is
running.
Run swimming
pool equipment for the minimum amount of time, and during off-peak hours (before
noon or after 6:00 p.m.).
Limit the
opening of a refrigerator.
Stop hot,
outdoor air from entering your home and eliminate the loss of cooled air with
weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors.
Clean or
replace your air conditioner's filter regularly to help it run more effectively.
Keep your air
conditioning thermostat no lower than 78 degrees on hot days.
During cold
days and nights, set your heating thermostat no higher than 60 degrees.
Dirty coils
on the back or bottom of your refrigerator can make it work harder than
necessary. Check and clean the coils regularly, especially during the summer.
See your appliance owner's manual for maintenance instructions.
Replace
incandescent bulbs with compact florescents. These come in various shapes and
sizes that fit regular, screw-in lamps and light fixtures, can last up to 10
times as long as old-fashioned bulbs, and produce less heat while using only a
quarter of the electricity.
Insulate your hot water piping from the water
heater to the wall or ceiling pipe penetration. Wrap the tank in an
insulating blanket if the water heater's energy factor is less than 0.59.
Remember to follow the installation instructions.
Go
to "Electric" for information on electrical industry restructuring, rates &
tariffs, electric service providers, as well as commission decisions and
resolutions.
