MidAmerican Energy Company

energy efficiency | illinois

Water Heater arrows

Insulate the first 3 to 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes leading from the water heater.
Reduce the amount of hot water you use to shower by installing a low-flow shower head. This can cut the water needed for showers by as much as half.
Repair leaky faucets promptly. A faucet that leaks a single drop of hot water each second can waste 200 gallons of hot water per month, as well as the energy used to heat it.
Set your water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (140 degrees Fahrenheit if you have a dishwasher). Each 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in temperature will save you 3-5 percent on your water heating costs.

Landscaping – Increase Shade
During the summer, sunlight streaming in windows forces an air conditioner to work harder, leading to increased energy use. While curtains can be closed, summer shade can be achieved by planting trees around your home.

Refrigerator and Freezer Operation
In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy-consuming kitchen appliance, and a stand-alone freezer uses a comparable amount of energy.

Power Down
Personal computers use about the same amount of energy to start up as when they are on for about two seconds.