In addition to helping your electric cooperative through a period of peak energy use, conserving electricity will also help you save money on your electric bill. Here are the top ten tips that any good energy saver should do first.

1. Replace any light bulb, especially ones that are on more than one hour per day, with a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb.
2. Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer.
3. Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips to turn off during vacations or long periods without use.
4. Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc.
5. Change HVAC air filters monthly.
6. Use dishwasher’s air-dry cycle instead of the heat-dry cycle to dry dishes.
7. Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter and cooler garage in the summer will save energy.
8. Set water heater temperature no higher than 120°
9. Make sure dryer vent hose is not kinked or clogged.
10. Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight.