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In addition to rating materials and appliances, the federal Energy Star program offers an abundance of tips for saving money on utility costs. For example, using power strips is encouraged. Since many electronics go into “sleep mode” and continue to use energy, having your electronics plugged in to a power strip or two can make ensuring that all your electronics are turned off conveniently when not in use. Money and energy can be saved by dividing loads of laundry in halves or thirds to reduce dry times and the amount of energy consumed by a dryer.
Another way Energy Star encourages energy saving is by using ceiling fans year-round. Turning on ceiling fans in the summer can help increase comfort by circulating cold air down through a space. Using a ceiling fan in the winter in reverse pushes warm air, which naturally wants to rise to the top of a room, downward. More information on saving money and energy can be found at www.energystar.gov.