Take a closer look at ways to save electricity in your home...

Electric heat is normally the highest user of electricity in the home. Here are a few ways to efficiently heat your home:

• Check vent registers and wall heaters to be sure household furnishings are not blocking them.
• At least once a year, vacuum vent registers and wall heating units.
• Check heat pump and forced air furnace manufacturers' recommendation for service guidelines for highest efficiency standards.
• To check thermostat accuracy, place a thermometer near the thermostat and adjust for temperature differences.

Water heaters on average are the second highest users of electricity in the home.

• The water heater thermostat should be set at 120º. To check the water temperature use a thermometer at the tap closest to the water heater.
• If you have an older tank which is located in an unheated space, you may want to consider installing a vinyl insulation wrap and cover water pipes with pipe insulation.
• PUD 3 offers a $25 rebate to residential and commercial customers who replace their existing electric water heaters with an energy efficient electric water heater. Local dealers have stock tanks which meet the PUD 3's requirements. However, contact the PUD 3's energy services department for complete details.

Low-flow showerheads and sink aerators can reduce the use of hot water and, in turn, reduce your electrical consumption. These items can be purchased for a reasonable cost at most hardware stores. Free low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are available from PUD 3 to those customers who heat their water electrically.

A drippy faucet is money down the drain. Most drippy faucets can be fixed easily and inexpensively.

Fact: 60 drops of hot water per minute can add $2 to $3 to your monthly electric bill.

Doors can be a source of outside air leaking into your home.

• Weather-stripping kits can be purchased for a reasonable cost and are fairly simple to install.

Windows should be caulked to reduce the outside air from leaking into your home.

If new vinyl windows are out of the question, there are things you can do yourself to help heat loss. You may want to consider purchasing and installing interior plastic window kits or keeping drapes closed.

Fluorescent bulbs can last up to 10,000 hours and use 70% less electricity than the conventional incandescent bulbs that only last 1,000 hours. Fluorescent bulbs are ideal for installing in those hard to reach areas and areas where the lights are left on for extended periods of time.

Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade in the summer months and protection from wind, rain and snow in the winter months. Wise planting pays off on your heating and cooling bills.

• Do laundry in cold water whenever possible.
• Hang clothes outside to dry whenever possible.
• Keep dryer lint trap clean at all times for the dryer to work at the highest efficiency.
• Close draperies and blinds to keep heat in during winter months and keep your home cool in summer months.
• Use the "Energy Saver" feature on dishwasher.
• Only run dishwasher when full
• Keep freezer as full as possible.
• Limit time in the shower.
• Layered clothing during winter months will keep you warmer.
• When preparing a meal make enough for leftovers. It is cheaper to reheat leftovers than to prepare another meal.
• Set water heater at 120º.
• Vacuum heaters and vent registers.
• Turn lights off in rooms not being used.
• Consolidate refrigerators & freezers.
• Caulk windows.
• Weather-strip doors.
• Wrap water pipes.
• Use shrink-wrap on non-insulated windows.
• Seal and wrap heating ducts.
• Change furnace filters regularly
• Replace old incandescent bulbs with new energy
efficient fluorescent bulbs.
• Be sure to close fireplace damper.

When shopping for a new appliance, don't forget to take into account hidden energy costs. The appliance with the lowest price tag may not be the most efficient, or save you the most money in the long run. Read the ENERGYGUIDE labels on major appliances, and talk to salespeople about the best energy buy. By federal law, these new appliances all have energy-efficiency labels:

• Refrigerators
• Water Heaters
• Freezers
• Room and Central Air Conditioners
• Dishwashers
• Clothes Washers
• Furnaces