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Energy-Saving Tips
Create a more energy-efficient home with these simple tips.
There are many ways to save and to make things easier, we sorted tips by category. Look for opportunities to lower energy costs, starting with the top five energy users at home—AC, water heater, washer/dryer, oven and pool pump.
Save on Your Energy Bill
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# All saving tips by category
Raise your thermostat 1 degree and save 2 – 3% on cooling costs.
Grill outside when possible or use the microwave so heat from the oven doesn’t heat the house.
Add sunscreens on older sun-struck windows to help save money and make your home more comfortable.
Keep interior doors ajar when the AC is operating to save money, improve air quality and make your home more comfortable.
Schedule AC service yearly to ensure it operates efficiently.
Turn on ceiling fans and turn up the thermostat and you’ll still be cool. Turn off fans when leaving the room — remember, fans cool people, not rooms.
If you’re on a fixed rate plan, program your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re not home.
If you’re on a time-of-use plan, use a smart thermostats to “pre-cool” or “pre-heat” before 4 pm weekdays. Disable the feature that automatically adjusts the thermostat when you’re away so that it doesn’t change your programmed schedule.
Plant low-water use shade trees on sun-struck windows, walls and roofs to keep your home cool.
Caulk around doors, windows, sill plates and anywhere outside air might enter the house.
Turn off lights and appliances not being used; they add heat.
Change air filters monthly to keep the AC running efficiently.
Keep drapes or blinds closed to help keep out the heat.
Caulk around doors, windows, sill plates and anywhere outside air might enter the house.
Turn off exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when not needed.
Open blinds to let in sunshine and close them at night to trap the heat.
Avoid using portable electric heaters as your main heating source.
Don’t use the oven as a source of heat.
Run ceiling fans clockwise in winter to draw the room air up to the ceiling and force the warm air down.
Install tempered glass fireplace doors to reduce heat loss.
Insert special insulation behind electric outlet covers to stop cold or hot air from entering.
Set the thermostat to 60° or lower when on winter vacation.
Turn off heater when not using the pool for an extended time.
Get a variable-speed pool pump; it runs cooler and lasts longer than older models.
Electric spas cost about $4 to heat from 70° to 100° and $1 per day to stay at 100°.
Turn off your electric spa when not in use and save about $1 a day.
Lower the spa’s water temperature and save.
Install a variable-speed pool pump and save up to 70% — as much as $340 a year.
Cover spas when not in use.
Sign up for a time-of-use plan and save up to $120 a year when you run your single-speed pool pump from 9am to 3pm instead of at night.
Switch to LEDs and use 90% less energy, an average savings of $55 over the lifetime of the bulb.
Switch to LEDs, which use 90% less energy and emit 90% less heat.
Add timers to lights to reduce energy use and increase safety.
Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances; they add heat.
LEDs last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.
LEDs emit 90% less heat, helping to reduce cooling costs.
# Water Heating
Wash only full loads of laundry and adjust water level for small loads.
Run an extra spin cycle to remove more water before putting clothes in dryer.
Line dry clothes whenever possible.
Clean lint filter after every load to increase air flow.
Wash clothes in cold — heating water accounts for up to 90% of energy needed to run a washing machine.
Dry loads back-to-back and the dryer will be warmed up.
Grill outside when possible or use the microwave so heat from the oven doesn’t heat the house.
Cook multiple dishes at once in the oven.
Use a toaster oven or microwave when cooking small quantities of food, a baked potato for example.
Use glass baking pans; they cook faster at a lower temperature.
Turn off computers and printers.
Unplug electric devices not in use; many continue to draw power when just turned off.
Set AC between 85° and 90°. If safe, turn it off completely.
A full fridge is more efficient than an empty one. When there’s extra room, fill it with water bottles.
Turn your hot water heater off at the circuit breaker. Before turning it back on, make sure it’s filled with water by running the hot water tap.
Set your refrigerator’s thermostat slightly higher.
Fill your freezer with blocks of ice or jugs of water to maintain coldness.
Unplug TVs; sets draw energy when just turned off.
Turn off all lights, except those needed for security.
Install automatic timers or photo cells on lights.
