In your Car
- Plan your errands so you do not waste gasoline driving back and forth.
February 19, 2015
Preparing for a Storm or Hurricane
Alaways ensure that trees and branches on your property are maintained and grow away from power lines. Trees or branches that grow over 10 feet away from power lines can be trimmed by landscapers.
Do not attempt to cut trees or branches that grow within 10 feet of power lines. Only qualified personnel approved by CUC, such as UMCÂ Cayman Ltd., should trim trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines. UMCÂ can be contacted at 916-5218 for assistance.
February 19, 2015
Air conditioning
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When possible, open windows and consider a fan first for cooling instead of air-conditioning. (ceiling and portable fans cost pennies to operate, and can either replace or reduce your need for air conditioning)
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Check to see that windows and doors are closed when cooling your home.
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Clean or change your air conditioning filter once a month- a clogged filter makes your air conditioning work harder than it has to.
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Set your thermostat on 78 degrees or the highest comfortable setting with the fan switch on “AUTO”. When you leave for the day, remember to turn off your air conditioning system, or move the thermostat up to 80 degrees.
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Keep out sunlight during summer months. You can save on air conditioning costs if you keep your blinds or drapes closed in areas of your home exposed to direct sunlight.
March 28, 2012
Kitchen
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Take all that you need out of the refrigerator at one time when preparing meals.
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Make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors are sealed tightly.
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Do not overfill refrigerator, as it prevents the cold air from circulating. (Keep a freezer full as it will perform better).
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Plan energy-efficient meals. Smaller appliances, such as toasters ovens, microwaves, use less energy than stoves.
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Any refrigerator over ten years old will not be an appliance to save energy and will use more energy over time than a new energy efficient one.
March 28, 2012
Laundry
- Full machine loads- this allows you to save on water, detergent and energy. *(Do not overload)
- Hang clothes to air-dry; save the dryer for a rainy day.
- Set water control levels to the size of the load.
- Wash in cold water.
- Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load to improve air circulation and efficiency. Lint build up blocks air flow and lengthens drying time.
- Turn down the Water Heater temperature to 120 degrees.
March 28, 2012
Lightning
- Replace your frequently used incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
- Shut off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
March 28, 2012
Electronics
- Shut your computer down when it is not in use. Powering up and down does not use extra energy; screen savers actually increase energy use by preventing your monitor from sleeping.
- Do not use your television as a radio. Turn off your electronics when they are not in use, and unplug completely things you do not use very often, i.e. video game consoles. Also Shut down electronics components when not in use, and unplug those that are not used very often.
- Install a timer on your water heater or turn if off at the breaker when not in use.
- Planting trees can help to reduce your heating and cooling costs. During the summer, trees provide shade.
- If you have a pool pump, use a timer that will allow you to run it just a few hours a day.
- Fix leaking hot faucets to save on hot water heating.
March 28, 2012
Recycle used cfl's
It’s now easier than ever to recycle a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)! Simply locate one of our authorized return locations and follow the instructions to safely recycle CFLs in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Some return locations may charge for recycling.
March 24, 2012