Residences

Hot Weather

• Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate the cool air
• Close blinds and/or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight
• Shade air conditioning units or condensers located outdoors, if possible
• Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun, i.e., shade south and west windows with plants or trees to block the heat during the summer

Cold Weather

• Cover windows with insulated curtains
• Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceilings
• Open blinds, drapes, or shades during the day (if sun is shining) to warm your home

Commercial Business

• Turn off any office equipment not in use
• Enable power management settings on all computers, i.e., use sleep mode and turn off screens when not in use
• Plug electronics such as coffeemakers and microwaves into power strips and switch off when space is vacant
• Turn off computers, printers/copiers, and other office equipment, including power strips, when space is vacant
  • Hot weather additional energy-saving tip: Close window screens/blinds that receive direct sunlight
  • Cold weather additional energy-saving tip: Open window screens/blinds during the day (if sun is shining) to warm space

General Energy-Saving Tips

Lighting

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs
• Ensure bulbs do not exceed the recommended wattage indicated on the light socket (i.e., one larger wattage bulb is more efficient than two smaller wattage bulbs)

Electric Water Heaters

• Repair leaking faucets. Warm-water leaks should be given immediate attention because they can raise your electric consumption rapidly
• Drain your hot water tank regularly to remove sediment
• Consider a tankless water heater; they are 35-45 percent more efficient, pay for themselves in 3-5 years, and never run out of hot water
• Wrap the hot water heater in an insulation blanket
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. For each 10 degrees of reduction, you can save 3-5 percent in energy costs. 120°F is suggested unless your dishwasher does not have its own water heater, in which case 130°F – 140°F is suggested for optimal cleaning

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• Replace furnace filters once a month (or as needed) with a MERV 11 rating or higher
• Ensure that your HVAC system is properly sized for your home
• Hire a professional to inspect your HVAC system
• Have your duct system checked for air leaks and proper insulation
• Consider installing a “whole house fan” to improve circulation and ventilation throughout your home
• Do not use humidifiers or evaporator (“swamp”) coolers with the air conditioner
• Close vents in unused rooms

Appliances

• Use the air-dry option on your dishwasher if available or open the door after the final rinse cycle to dry the dishes
• Only run dishwashers and clothes washers when fully loaded
• When drying clothes, do not overfill the dryer and use the automatic setting if available. Dry loads back-to-back if possible.
• Consult Energy Star for Energy Star-labeled appliances
• Except for refrigerators and freezers that keep food cold, unplug all electronic devices, chargers, and appliances when they are not being used. They can still use a large amount of energy even when they are in the “Off” or “Power Save Mode”. Consider plugging these devices into power strips with an on-off switch.
• Ensure that the clothes dryer’s outside air vent is well-sealed
• Keep the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator and freezer clean.

Additional Tips

• Consider participating in your utility’s demand response program. These voluntary programs are short, temporary measures to reduce energy consumption when power supplies are low. Contact your electric utility for information on how you may participate
• Do not leave bathroom or kitchen ventilation fans running longer than necessary (they replace inside air with outside air)
• Improve your roof by installing light-colored, durable materials and by adding insulation
• Install weather stripping, and seal cracks around windows, exterior doors, and other openings

Frequently Asked Questions

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