The City of Washington, Indiana

Thank you for your interest in the City of Washington.
The most important resource Washington has is our citizens and their families!

Savings that benefit the people of Washington are important to everyone. Here are some low cost, but effective measures that will help you on your energy bills. The hardest thing about using these steps is getting the motivation to implement them!

1. Turn lights, appliances, and electronics off when they are not in use. Unplug idle power adapters and cell-phone chargers or use power strips with an on and off switch for convenience.
    
2. Replace at least five incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency, CFL’s (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs). Make sure that the bulbs are ES
   (Energy Star) rated bulbs. These use 75% less energy and last six to ten times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. A CFL that uses 13 to 17 watts puts out enough light compared to a regular 60W (60 watt) bulb. CFL’s today come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and tints.
    
3. Install a programmable thermostat. In the winter, lower the temperature when you are typically at work or asleep. You can save about five percent on your heating bill if your setback averages out to two degrees around the clock. The reverse is true in the summer. Remember to give yourself a little cooling and heating time for comfort.
    
4. Regularly change or clean filters in heating and cooling equipment. Do this at least monthly. A new filter could save you around $5.00 or more per month. You will also enjoy cleaner air.
    
5. Use a fan. According to Energy star, you can raise summer air-conditioner setting by 3 to 5 degrees, with no loss of comfort, if you add ceiling fans. Switch reversible fans in winter, to pull cool air upward and force warm air back.
    
6. Control direct sunlight through windows. In the summer, block it using blinds, screens, and window tint. In cold weather, reverse your thinking. As long as you control glare, the more sun you can harness, the more warmth you will have.
    
7. Perform basic weatherization. This includes repairing holes and cracks that let in drafts and weather-stripping or caulking around doors and windows. It also includes plugging leaks and fixing gaps in insulation on ducts and pipes.
    
8. Try washing most clothes in cold water, and always rinse in cold. Clothes washed in cold water fade less, have fewer wrinkles, and may save up to a hundred dollars annually on water heating.
    
9. Don’t over dry your clothes. Today, many clothes driers have energy-saving moisture sensors that shut off the heat when the clothes are dry. If you don’t have this feature, test a few loads, and remember how long they take to dry. Running a typical drier for 15 minutes less per load can save you up to $35 per year. Also remember to clean your lint trap before every load!!!
    
10. If you have an old an old fridge or freezer that you barely use, unplug it. These old appliances can add up to 15% to your electric bill. You can save energy in your regular fridge by keeping the condenser coils clean, placing it in a well-ventilated, relatively cool spot and keeping it full, but not overloaded. If your freezer is usually empty, you can improve cold airflow by storing some extra ice.