EnergyGuide Label

Look for Energy Star appliances and compare EnergyGuide labels to invest in appliances with a low life-cycle cost. In addition to saving money on operating costs, energy-efficient appliances give off less waste heat than standard models, keeping the room cooler and lowering air conditioning needs and costs.

Swimming pool pumping costs can total up to 20% of total electricity use. A way to reduce this expense is to use an oversized cartridge filter and larger (2-inch) piping with a pump no larger than 1/2 horsepower per 10,000 gallons of pool volume. Set the pump on a timer to operate no more than 6 hours a day in summer and 3 hours a day in winter. Also consider photovoltaic technology for pool pumping.

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