Energy Efficiency Tips

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Have your heating system checked to make sure it’s working properly. Check your furnace filter once a month and change it when it is dirty.

Change your central HVAC system filter when dirty about every 3 months.

Clean your clothes dryer lint filters after each load. Check dryer exhaust ducts.

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.

Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove the heat.

Take shorter, not-so-hot showers ranging from 5-7 minutes. Normally, showers use less water than baths.

Unplug battery chargers when not needed.

When leaving for the weekend during the winter months, lower the thermostat to 60°F.

At night, the thermostat should be lowered 5-10 degrees. A programmable thermostat should be able to adjust this setting automatically.

An HVAC system that’s too small can’t deliver adequate heating or cooling in extreme weather. A system that’s too large costs more and provides poor temperature and humidity control.

Insulate electric wall outlets and wall switches with foam pads.

Increase the efficiency of your gas furnace by having the ductwork cleaned and sealed to remove any dirt, bacteria, dust mites, pollen, and more.

Electric space heaters can cost more than $100/month to operate. Minimize their use, except for limited or temporary spot heating.

In hot weather, avoid running the dryer during the day to save energy.

Insulate exposed hot water lines.

Regularly defrost refrigerator or freezer to avoid ice buildup.

Set your upper and lower water heater thermostat to water to 120°.

Close doors and shut off vents to rooms not in use.

Do not close off unused rooms that are conditioned by forced-air systems.

Make sure the dryer’s outdoor exhaust door is not blocked or clogged.

Insulate water lines and heating ducts, especially those that run through crawl spaces or other unheated areas.

Running multiple, small loads uses a lot of energy so only wash full loads in the clothes washer or dishwasher.

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.

Cover all liquids stored in your refrigerator. Any moisture drawn into the air makes the refrigerator work harder.

Place refrigeration appliances away from heating equipment, vents and direct sunlight. Provide adequate space for ventilation.

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.

Check that the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to the dryer.

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 families needs.

Use the proper appliance for the job. Microwaves, convection and toaster ovens are often quicker and more economical to use than an electric range.

A one degree increase in heating setpoint or reduction in cooling setpoint can increase energy use by 3 – 5%.

In cooler months, run your ceiling fan clockwise and switch to counterclockwise in the summer.

In colder climates, “low-e” coatings on glass can help reduce heat loss via the windows.

In hot climates, consider adding solar screening to west-facing windows to catch heat late in the day.

Keep fireplace dampers closed unless a fire is burning.

Cook outside. In summer, keep the heat out by using an outdoor grill.

Use cold water instead of heated water when possible.

Use air sealing to 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.

Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade on the east, south and west sides of your home. Evergreen trees and shrubs can provide a windbreak on the north side.

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.

Ensure that your attic access door/hatch closes tightly and is insulated.

Close your shades and drapes during the day to help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Use a laptop. It takes less energy than a comparable desktop.

Enable auto power down feature on gaming consoles that turns it off when it’s not being used.

Ensure all new appliances, electronics and lights are ENERGY STAR® labeled.

Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes or furniture.

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.

When using the fireplace, turn down your heating system thermostat.

Consider using a clothes line or solar powered clothes dryer.

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.

Turn off coffee makers when not in use.

Use energy efficient products such as solar panels, solar batteries, heat pumps, etc.