Energy & water saving maintenance

Proper home maintenance will help reduce your energy use:

Check your furnace air filters monthly. Clean and/or replace as needed.

Every six months, unplug your refrigerator, pull it away from the wall and clean the coils on the back or on the bottom. This allows the fridge to run more efficiently and prolong its life.

Fix leaky faucets, showers and toilets. One leaky faucet will waste five gallons per day, or 152 gallons per month.

Seal ductwork to save energy and improve comfort and air quality. Leaking ducts can waste as much as 30 percent of the heat your furnace produces

Seal air leaks around doors, windows, electrical outlets.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs to cut your lighting energy use by up to 75%. You'll save even more in the long run because they can last up to 10 times longer than your standard incandescent bulbs.

Install a programmable thermostat to maintain comfortable temperatures when you're home while conserving energy when you're away.

Keep in mind the for the average person, showering requires far less water than taking a bath.

For more energy saving ideas visit:

US Department of Energy www.energysavers.gov Seattle City Light Stretch Your Dollar www.seattle.gov/light/accounts/stretchyourdollar/ac5_save.htm

Green Seattle Guide: In Your Home www.seattle.gov/environment/cag/home.html