Hot Water Heating, Washing and Drying

	Repair leaking or dripping hot water faucets. A big leak can cost $224 per month. A hot water tank or faucet leak can cost you as much as nearly $255 per month. (4.5kW times 30 days times 24 hours equals 3,240 kWh per month. Our rate of $.0786 times 3,240 equals $254.66 before taxes. Taxes add $21.65 for a total of 276.31). If you have leaks, the solution to your high bill may be fixing your hot water leaks.
	When you have to shop for a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances have been identified as the most energy-efficient product in their class. Also, look at the Energy Guide label to compare each appliance.
	Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also safer. If your water heater was purchased before 1992, wrap it with an insulated blanket.
	Install low flow faucet aerators and showerheads (2.5 gallons or less per minute).
	When using your dishwasher, wash full loads only and let the dishes air-dry. If you don't have an air-dry switch then turn it off after the final rinse and crack open the door.
	Wash and dry full loads. If you're washing a small load of clothes, use the lowest practical water level setting.
	Try cold water wash, using cold-water detergent.
	Line dry clothes outside if practical.
	Make sure dryer is venting to outside properly. Clean the lint screen in your dryer before every load and check the dryer venting system at least once a year for clogging. It should be cleaned.
	Take showers instead of baths. Generally, showers use less hot water.
	Turn electricity off at the breaker for vacations. If you are going to be gone for three days or more, turn off the water heater to save money. But don't forget to turn it back on when you return.
	Use cold water when running the garbage disposal.

Cooking

	Use your microwave oven in place of your range oven whenever possible.
	When using your oven, try to cook more than one item at a time.
	Use tight-fitting lids to keep the steam in the pan.
	Use smaller amounts of water for cooking; use the lowest possible heat to maintain boiling or steaming.
	Preheat oven only 5 to 8 minutes when baking; do not preheat the oven when broiling or roasting.
	Self-cleaning ovens have thicker insulation and will retain heat, making these models more energy-efficient than regular ovens.
	Use the self-cleaning feature on your oven sparingly.
	Pressure cookers use much less energy than ordinary pots and pans.
	Using small cooking appliances (electric fry pans, toaster ovens, etc.) are generally more efficient.
	Take showers instead of baths. Generally, showers use less hot water.

Refrigeration & Freezing

	Recommended temperatures are 37-40 degrees for fresh food storage and 5 degrees for the freezer section.
	Regularly defrost your freezer when ice or frost build-up is 1/4" or thicker.
	Check your refrigerator/freezer door gasket periodically for good sealing.

Lighting

	Turn off lights in any rooms you're not using.
	Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. Compact fluorescent bulbs last 8 to 10 times longer (they are great for difficult access locations). For the same amount of light the energy cost is only one fourth to one third the energy cost. Prices have a range from $1 to $20. Visit the Austin Utilities, Conservation Tips Lighting website for more information.
	Use timers or motion detectors on lamps that are used for security lighting.
	Use natural daylight as much as possible.