How to save on energy costs every day.
Residential / Home energy upgrades / Low-cost + no-cost tips
Simple things you can do every day to conserve energy:
- Turn off lights, electronics and appliances when they’re not in use. Put your computer on sleep mode when you’re not using it.
- Take shorter, cooler showers to reduce hot water use.
- Only run your washing machine when it’s a full load, and opt for a cold water cycle whenever possible.
There are also lots of ways to save on electricity in the kitchen. When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils? A regular cleaning can help them cool more efficiently. Check the temperature to ensure your fridge is cooling and freezing properly—we recommend setting the refrigerator temperature between 35°-39°F and the freezer between 0°-5°F.
When possible, try air washing your dishes in a drying rack to give the dishwasher a rest. On the stove, match the size of pots and pans to the size of the burner for greater efficiency.
Take your hot water heater’s temperature.
It doesn’t cost you a dime to regularly keep up with your hot water heater. Set the temperature of the heater to 120°F for maximum efficiency. Once a year, drain a gallon of water from your water heater to remove sediment and improve performance.
These little things will go a long way over time.
Small investments with a big impact in the long run.
The following tips will cost a little bit here and there, but the payoff is worth it.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or light-emitting diodes (LED), which use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer.
- Wrap your water heater with insulation or an insulating blanket, and insulate the first 5 feet of pipe coming from your water heater.
- Change air filters monthly so your cooling system can work optimally
- Install an ENERGY STAR certified programmable thermostat.
- Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors to stop air leaks. Seal exterior light switches and electrical outlets.
- Add insulation to your attic, crawlspaces and any accessible exterior walls.
- Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads to conserve water.
- Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second can add up to a whopping 165 gallons a month.
Your seasonal savings chart
Follow these summer and winter tips to save even more during the months when energy bills are usually the highest.
Tips for Summer
| Keep curtains closed during the day to block sunlight and keep the room cool. |
| Set your thermostat between 75°-78°F. If no one’s home, raise it even higher to save even more. |
| Here’s a great reason to have some green thumb fun and plant a tree: Shade trees on the south or southwest side of your home will keep it cooler. |
Tips for Winter
| Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower. |
| Keep curtains open on the south side of the house and closed on the north side during the day to trap the warm sunlight. |
| Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use. |
| Keep feet warm by placing area rugs over hardwood floors. |
