Save energy and save money

Simple steps to reduce your impact on the environment and your wallet.

Energy saving tips

Home efficiency tips

  • In summer, set your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees when at home and above 80 degrees when away.
  • In winter, set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees when at home and 60 to 65 degrees when away.
  • Clean or replace air filters once a month to keep your HVAC running efficiently.
  • Install a programmable or smart thermostat to manage your heating and cooling more efficiently.
  • Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you're finished cooking or bathing.
  • Use a garden hose to remove debris from the outdoor unit of your HVAC system.
  • Supplement your air conditioning with ceiling fans to increase comfort.
  • In the winter, open the shades on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm your house.
  • Open your refrigerator door as seldom as possible.
  • When washing clothes, wash a full load and use cold water whenever possible.
  • Hang your clothes to dry when possible to save energy.
  • Wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
  • Use a slow cooker or outdoor grill in summer months to keep your kitchen cooler.
  • Move lamps, TVs and other appliances away from your thermostat. The heat they generate can cause the AC to run longer.
  • When replacing appliances, look for ENERGY STAR-rated products.
  • Plug home electronics like TVs, stereos and DVD players into power strips that can be turned off when the electronics are not in use.
  • Use low-power mode for computers and phones.
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy.
  • Purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures.
  • Use natural lighting whenever possible.
  • Use timers and dimmers to lower light levels and reduce energy use.
  • Lower the temperature on your water heater to "warm".
  • Wash clothes in cold water and use hot only for very dirty loads.
  • Take shorter showers and use low-flow showerheads.
  • Repair leaky faucets immediately.
  • Use low-flow toilets to reduce water usage.
  • Drain 1-2 gallons from the bottom of your water heater each year to reduce sediment build-up.
  • During hot months, keep window coverings closed on south, east and west windows.
  • Keep windows and doors closed when using an air conditioner or heater.
  • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
  • Consider installing low-E windows, which can reduce heat loss by up to 50 percent.