With the heat wave that Louisville is currently experiencing, here are some tips for reducing energy and water usage.  In this type of weather, both energy and water usage tend to spike.  It’s important to stay cool and hydrated in intense heat, but we can all take some simple steps to keep our energy and water usage in mind.  Below are some simple ideas to try.

Tips for saving energy at home in hot temperatures:

• Draw shades during sunny hours to keep indoor air cooler.
• Utilize ceiling fans when you are in the room, as they can make air temperature feel cooler.  Turn off the fan when you leave the room.  Learn more about energy efficient fan usage.
• Avoid using your oven, which heats the house as you cook.
• Close doors and vents in rooms of your house that are not in use.
• Turn up your thermostat when you are not home, or utilize a programmable thermostat.
• Unplug or use a power strip for energy “vampires,” which are appliances that use energy even when turned off.  Examples of energy vampires include: televisions, computers, DVD players and VCRs, stereos, kitchen appliances, and telephones.   

Tips for saving water:

• Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
• Don’t prerinse your dishes before using the dishwasher.
• Don’t run the faucet while you brush your teeth.
• Take a shorter shower.
• Install low flow faucets and shower heads.  Learn more.
• When watering your garden, do so in the early morning or late at night to cut down on evaporation.

If you are taking any green steps, including reducing energy and water usage, report your good work through making a Green Triangle profile.  We’re working to collect all of the green steps that the 9th District is taking, and would love to add your work!  See the totals here and view a community map of green resources.