Energy-saving tips | Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative

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.