Energy Efficiency Tips

Check out some simple and useful ways to reduce energy consumption and help lower your energy cost.

Energy EfficiencyTOP TIPS

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Use a ceiling fan, but make sure to turn it off when you leave the room.
In cooler months, run your ceiling fan clockwise and switch to counterclockwise in the summer.
Close your shades and drapes during the day to help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
During moderate temperatures when your HVAC is not in use, open windows to create a cross-ventilation breeze.
Ensure tight weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent outside air from leaking into your home.
Close gaps and holes in your walls, floors and ceilings with caulk or foam sealant. Look for cracks around your windows and areas where wires and pipes pass through.
Ensure that your attic access door/hatch closes tightly and is insulated.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star Certified LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last much longer.

Vacuum your air intakes regularly to remove any dust buildup and ensure nothing is blocking the airflow through your registers.
Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture.
Keep fireplace dampers closed unless a fire is burning.
When using the fireplace, turn down your heating system thermostat.
Cook outside to reduce warm air in your kitchen during summer months.
A one degree increase in heating or reduction in cooling on your thermostat can increase energy use by 3 – 5%.
If possible, install a smart thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings for optimal performance.
Maintain your cooling and heating system to keep it running efficiently. Routine maintenance is the number one way to keep a heat pump running efficiently and for as long as possible.
Set your thermostat to “Auto” and keep an eye on temperatures. Setting your thermostat fan to “Auto” will ensure that it is running only when it is supposed to and only when the system is heating or cooling. When the fan is “On,” it is running constantly and can add up to $50 per month.

Clean your clothes dryer lint filter after each load. Check dryer exhaust ducts. Make sure the dryer’s outdoor exhaust door is not blocked or clogged and the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to the dryer.
Check gaskets around refrigerators and freezers by closing the door on a piece of paper towel. If it pulls out with little or no drag, the seal probably needs to be replaced.
Cover all liquids stored in your refrigerator. Any moisture drawn into the air makes the refrigerator work harder.
Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove the heat.
Place refrigeration appliances away from heating equipment, vents and direct sunlight. Provide adequate space for ventilation.
Minimize the number of times you open the fridge and freezer.
Running multiple, small loads uses a lot of energy so only wash full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.
Consider using a clothes line or solar powered dryer.

A dishwasher uses more energy to dry dishes than to wash them. Use the “energy saver” switch on your dishwasher to shut off the drying element.
Most dishwashers do not require you to rinse dishes. To save water and energy, simply scrape dishes instead of rinsing.
Use the proper appliance for the job. Microwaves, convection and toaster ovens are often quicker and more economical to use than an electric range.
Use a slow-cooker instead of cooking on a stove. But if you need to use a stove, use pot lids to help food cook faster.
Use a laptop. It takes less energy than a comparable desktop.
Enable auto power down feature on gaming consoles to turn them off when not in use.
Check EnergyStar.gov to learn how to upgrade to energy-efficient products.
Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips that you can turn off during vacations or long periods without use. Do not forget to unplug battery chargers when not in use.
Turn off coffee makers when not in use.

Take shorter, not-so-hot showers ranging from 5-7 minutes. Normally, showers use less water than baths.
When taking a shower, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home.
Set your upper and lower water heater thermostat to 120°.
Consider a tankless water heater system.
Consider installing a recirculating pump on your water heater.

Use cold water instead of hot water when possible.
Insulate water lines and heating ducts, especially those that run through crawl spaces or other unheated areas.
Turn off pool pumps and tank water heaters when not in use.
Install water-saving shower heads.
Do not let water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Install faucet aerators to reduce water use.

Replace any light bulbs, especially ones that burn more than one hour per day, with a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. Energy-efficient bulbs cost more initially, but are far less expensive in the long run.
Turn off lights when leaving a room.

Use outdoor security lights with a photocell and/or a motion sensor.
Smart bulbs, outlets and switches allow you to save energy by customizing a schedule that fits your family’s needs.