Top twelve free ways to save energy

1. Dress appropriately for the weather to reduce heating and cooling needs.
2. During winter, open blinds and curtains when the sun shines on windows, and close them when the room is empty or the sun is not shining on them.
3. During summer, open windows in the evening when it's cooler outside.
4. Turn off appliances, especially large ones like TVs, when not in use.
5. Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature in winter and the highest comfortable temperature in summer. (A one degree change can reduce heating or cooling energy use by around 10%.)
6. If you need background noise, use a radio or your phone instead of a TV.
7. Air dry clothes on an outdoor line instead of using a dryer. 
8. Walk, cycle, or take public transportation instead of driving.
9. Choose plants for your garden strategically, such as deciduous trees on the north, east or west to provide shade in summer but allow sun in during winter.
10. Avoid idling your car for more than a minute (unless in traffic). Wait in a comfortable spot outside your car if you're waiting for someone.
11. Sit on your patio on a warm evening to wait for the house to cool down instead of using the air conditioner.
12. Buy non-iron clothes when shopping to save energy on ironing.

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