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Energy Conservation Tips

Soaring fuel costs have become an unfortunate reality for our nation.  We feel the effects at the gas pump, grocery store and in almost every other aspect of our daily lives.  The Andalusia Utilities Board is also affected by rising fuel costs, especially the cost of natural gas used for electricity generation.   We share your concerns of high fuel prices and encourage everyone to help reduce energy bills by implementing these simple energy-conservation methods.

Call us and we'll give your home a FREE energy audit.

Heating Tips
Water-heating Tips
Indoor Lighting Tips
Dishwasher Tips
Refrigerator and Freezer Tips
Other Kitchen Tips
Laundry Tips

Heating Tips:

  • Clean or replace furnace filters once a month.
  • Set thermostats as low as comfortably possible. Andalusia Utilities Board recommends thermostats be set at 68 degrees or cooler.

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Water-heating Tips:

  • Repair leaky faucets promptly.
  • Lower the thermostat on water heaters. A setting of 115 degrees Fahrenheit provides comfortable hot water while conserving electricity.

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Indoor Lighting Tips:

  • Use compact fluorescent bulbs – they are up to four times more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.
  • Turn off lights in any unoccupied room.

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Dishwasher Tips:

  • Let dishes air-dry.
  • Check user’s manual for recommended water temperatures. Many models have internal heating elements that allow users to set water heaters to lower temperatures.  

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Refrigerator and Freezer Tips:

  • Don’t keep refrigerators or freezers too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the fresh food compartment of refrigerators and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer section. Chest-type freezers should be kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Make sure refrigerator door seals are air tight.

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Other Kitchen Tips:

  • Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water  it’s faster and uses less energy.
  • Match the size of pans to heating elements.
  • Turn electric stovetop burners off several minutes before the allotted cooking time. Stored heat will allow the food to finish cooking without using more electricity. The same principle applies to oven cooking.
  • Use small electric pans or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven.
  • Use pressure cookers or microwave ovens when convenient to do so.

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Laundry Tips:

  • Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
  • Wash and dry full loads.
  • Clean the lint filter in dryers before each load to maximize air circulation.
  • Use the cool-down feature of dryers to allow clothes to finish drying with residual heat.

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Contact Info:  

Utilities Board of the City of Andalusia
P.O. Box 790
Andalusia, AL 36420
phone:(334) 222-1332
fax: (334) 222-9058 

Location:

Andalusia Utilities Office
505 East Three Notch Street
Andalusia, Alabama  36420