Fight the Wasters Gang at Home!
Here are some of Lil’ Tex and Ann’s favorite tips on how to save energy at home!
Even when they’re not patrolling at school, the Watt Watchers are always on the lookout for the Wasters Gang!
Replace your light bulbs
Chase off the Wasters Gang by replacing old incandescent or inefficient light bulbs with energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LEDs use up to 75–90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer, helping families save money while reducing wasted energy.
Be smart with your dishwasher
In most cases, once you have roughly half a load or more, running the dishwasher is usually more efficient than hand-washing the same dishes — especially for water use. Dishwashers are most efficient when using the eco/normal cycle, air drying instead of heated dry, and skipping heavy pre-rinsing.
Keep the oven door closed when you’re cooking
Opening the oven before your food has finished cooking allows the Wasters to sneak in and steal heat from the oven that is cooking your food! This means you have to use more energy to re-heat the oven … and your dinner is late! Remember what Lil’ Tex says: “If you’re lookin’, you’re not cookin’!”
Is the refrigerator closed all the way?
Just like the oven, the Wasters Gang sneaks in to steal energy through open refrigerators! Make sure your fridge is closed tightly so the Wasters can’t get in, and your food stays cold and fresh! The longer you stand looking in the open fridge, the more warm air gets in.
Adjust the thermostat
Wash your clothes in cold water
The Wasters used to steal energy from clothes or other items being washed with hot water. Nowadays, laundry detergent has the same impact whether the clothes are being washed in hot or cold water. Using cold water instead of hot or warm fights off the Wasters Gang and saves you money on energy! It also cleans your clothes or other items just as well as hot or warm water.
Turn faucets completely off
One drop of water per second can use up to 165 gallons of hot water per month! If you see water dripping from a faucet, you know the Wasters Gang is there. Make sure the knobs are turned completely off to keep the Wasters Gang away. And turn the water off while you brush your teeth!