Summer is right around the corner and new homes in Midlothian are wondering how they can cut energy costs this season.  Here are a few tips to consider this summer. Lighting

1. Replace bulbs and fixtures with Energy-Star qualified compact fluorescent lights. They cost more but they use 70% less energy and last up to 10,000 hours.
2. Install dimmers. This will save energy and extend the life of bulbs.
3. Use timers on the front door lights and sensors for out door lights. Solar powered landscape lights are a great option as well.

Potential Annual Savings: Around $90 or more Home Electronics

1. Plug DVD players and T.V.’s into power strips that you can switch off. Almost 80% of electricity these devices use is consumed while they are idle.
2. Unplug or power off your computers when they are not in use or use the sleep mode that uses about 70% less energy than the full power mode.
3. Turn off printers, scanners, copiers, etc. when they are not in use.

Potential Annual Savings: Around $175 or more Heating & Cooling

1. Seal off open areas like the fireplace by closing the damper.
2. Look for gaps and cracks and seal duct work.
3. Install an Energy-Star certified ceiling fan will help to coolnew homes in Midlothian .

Potential Annual Savings: Around $500 Appliances

1. Run full loads in the dishwasher only. The more efficient machines only use a third of the water. Select the air-dry option that isn’t heated to save more energy.
2. Replace your old refrigerator with an Energy-Star rated refrigerator. It will save energy and will last for decades.
3. A front-loader washing machine uses 50% less energy and a third less water. In six years it will pay for itself.
4. Doing several loads of laundry each week and drying back to back will use residual heat in the dry.

Potential Annual Savings: Around $400