Learn
an energy-saving tip in a video from the Globeheads.
Saving
energy can be painless with a few simple measures
that also reduce monthly bills and help the environment.
Here are some steps you and your family can take
to conserve energy. Click to download printable
PDF files in English
or Spanish.
Turn
off your lights. Turn off the lights when
you're not in the room. Consider trading incandescent
light bulbs for compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs.
CFs provide attractive light, use 75% less
energy and last 10 times longer!
Hit
the switch. If you see something electrical
that's not being used, turn it off. This might
seem obvious, but it can really add up.
Use
your dishwasher and washer/dryer wisely.
Only wash full loads. Let dishes air dry.
Avoid washing during peak hours (noon to 6
p.m. weekdays).
Dust
your refrigerator. Vacuum the dust off
the refrigerator coils (found in the back
or underneath the unit) every 3 months - it
takes less energy to cool that way. Turn on
the energy saver switch, if you have one.
Check the gaskets around the door and make
sure it shuts tight.
Monitor
your home's temperature. During winter,
keep your thermostat no higher than 68°
F during the day and 55°F at night. During
summer, set the thermostat no lower than 75°F.
Move shades and curtains to help heat or cool
the house. Seal window and door leaks with
caulk and weather-stripping.
Keep
your water heater cozy. Wrap your water
heater in an insulating blanket to improve
efficiency. Turn its thermostat down to 120°F
(140°F if you have a dishwasher without
a booster heater). This saves energy and helps
prevent hot water burns.
Consider
these investments for long-term savings
and efficiency:
Replace
old appliances with energy-efficient
ones. Refrigerators built since 1993
are 40% more energy-efficient than models
built 10 years prior! Look for models
with the Energy Star label, and keep
an eye out for rebates sponsored by
your utility company or the Electric
and Gas Industries Association (EGIA).
Plant
shade trees near your house to keep
cooler in the summer and warmer in the
winter.
Add
insulation to your attic and walls.
Consider
installing window coatings or double-paned
windows.
Contact
your utility company for more information
on home energy efficiency
Kids:
Here's what you can do at home and school …
Choose
a class energy monitor who will make sure
energy is being properly used. You can pick
a new monitor each week! The energy monitor
will turn off lights when no one is in the
room, such as during recess and after class.
Make
"Turn It Off" signs for the light
switches at school and at home.
Be
a detective! Help your parents find leaks
and drafts in windows and doors by making
a map of your house. Label all the doors,
windows and vents. Then take a ribbon and
hold it next to the edges of doors and windows.
If it flutters, you've found a leak! Give
the map to your parents and ask them seal
any leaks.
You
can download or print these tips in English
or Spanish
if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your
computer.You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for
free here.
Links
The
following Web sites have additional information
on home energy savings:
Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power: www.ladwp.com
Saving
energy can be painless with a few simple measures
that also reduce monthly bills and help the environment.
Here are some steps you and your family can take
to conserve energy. Click to download printable
PDF files in 
