Energy Saving Measures

LEPA offers these energy-saving suggestions:

Electric utility customers in Louisiana are urged to help themselves by conserving electricity wherever possible. LEPA offers these energy-saving suggestions:

• During summer months, you can save as much as 4% on your electric bill for each degree you raise your thermostat.
  

• Adjust your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120 degrees. You'll save 7% to
  11 % of water-heating costs. When you set back your thermostat, remember to turn off the power to the unit as a first step. Also keep in mind that an electric water heater has two thermostats and you need to reset both.
  

• Take shorter showers and save hundreds of gallons of hot water per month for a family of four. Showers account for two thirds of your water-heating costs. Cutting your showers in half will reduce your water-heating costs by 33%.
  

• Low-flow showerheads and faucets can significantly cut your hot-water expenses, saving up to 10% on water-heating costs.
  

• Do only full loads when using your dishwasher and clothes washer. Using the cold-water setting on your clothes washer reduces the washer's energy use by 75%.
  

• Many new TVs, DVD players, chargers, computer peripherals, and other electronics use electricity even when they are switched "off." Although these "standby" losses are only a few watts each, they add up to over 50 watts that are consumed all the time in a typical home. If possible, unplug electronic devices and chargers-that have a block -shaped transformer on the plug-when they are not in use. For computer scanners, printers, and other devices that are plugged into a power strip, simply switch off the power strip after shutting down your computer.
  

• Caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows to reduce costly air leakage. Also install foam gaskets behind outlet covers and switch plates. These measures will save up to 10% on energy costs.
  

• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
  

• Inside the home, choose work and play areas with natural lighting whenever possible.
  

• Use fluorescent lights in your home to save energy. Compact fluorescent bulbs can last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and use one-fourth of the energy.