No-Cost & Low-Cost Tips

Better energy management can yield long-term benefits. By making simple energy choices – many without even spending a thing - you can help keep your utility bills down and your home energy efficient. Typically, around half of your energy bill comes from heating and cooling your home. Water heating comes next followed by major appliances, lighting, electronics and smaller appliances. Start saving today with these helpful tips and check out our Hot & Cold Weather tips for additional savings.

No-Cost Tips

Heating & Cooling – The biggest energy user in your home

• Set your thermostat at 78° during summer and 68° during winter
• When the temperature permits, turn off your cooling system, open windows and use ceiling fans to circulate air
• Wear light clothing during the summer and warm, layered clothing during the winter

Water Heating – The second biggest energy user in your home

• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use
• Take shorter, cooler showers to reduce hot water use
• Set the temperature of your water heater at 120°
• Check for water leaks, dripping faucets or leaky toilets

Large Appliances – The third biggest energy user in your home

• Consider using the microwave, toaster oven or grill to cook instead of the oven
• Use pots and pans that match the size of the stove burner and cover with lids when possible
• Unplug unused small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc
• Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load and let the dishes air dry instead of using the heated dry cycle
• On average, refrigerator temperatures should be 37°-40°F and freezer should be 0°-5°F
• Make sure your refrigerator and freezer door seals are air-tight
• Don’t leave refrigerator or freezer doors open for an extended amount of time
• Wash full loads of laundry and use cold water as much as possible
• Keep dryer lint filters and vents clean and free of debris

Lighting, Electronics, Small Appliances – The remaining energy users in your home

• Turn off all lights, electronics and computers when not in use
• Use task lighting instead of brightly lighting an entire room
• Unplug chargers for mobile devices and other electronic equipment when not in use
• Unplug unused small appliances such as radios, heaters, hair dryers, etc

Low-Cost Tips

Heating & Cooling

• Change out air filters in your furnace monthly
• Replace your existing thermostat with an ENERGY STAR certified programmable thermostat
• Have your heating and cooling unit checked yearly by a licensed contractor

Water Heating

• If the outside of your electric water heater is hot or warm to the touch, cover it with an approved insulation blanket
• Fix any leaky, dripping faucets or toilets
• Replace old showerheads and faucets with newer, aerating low-flow models

Large Appliances

• Replace any worn-out or loose seals on your refrigerator and freezer
• If you are in the market for new appliances, read the energy efficient label to help you choose models that are more efficient

Lighting, Electronics, Small Appliances

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs
• Use power strips for small appliances and electronics and turn them off when not in use

Insulation and Sealing

• Make sure your home is well-insulated, including the attic, outside walls, between floors and around heating ducts or pipe exposed to the outside air
• Caulk and add or replace torn, worn out weather-stripping around windows and doors
• Seal electrical switches and outlets by installing foam insulation gaskets
• Insulate around attic access doors and pull-down stairs
• Seal any gaps where pipes or wires come through walls or floors