Energy Savings Tips

We have compiled a wealth of information to help you use energy more efficiently. Many of our suggestions are no or low-cost and can save you money immediately.

• Keep your heating and cooling thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting (68º-70º recommended) in the winter and the highest comfortable setting (75º-78º recommended) in the summer.

• Change disposable air filters and clean permanent air filters every month.

• Check your heating and cooling systems ductwork for disconnected joints and leaks.

• Make sure heating and cooling vents are not blocked by furniture, drapes, etc.

• Make sure your home is insulated properly. Ceiling (R-30 recommended) wall (R13-15 recommended) and floor insulation (R-19 recommended) reduces heating and cooling costs, while helping to keep your home comfortable.

• Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Caulk or weather strip where needed.

• Set your water heater thermostat to 120º (medium setting on some models).

• Keep all faucets from dripping. Even a slow drip wastes water and costs money.

• Wash full loads of laundry in the coolest water possible, and rinse everything in cold water.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.

• In the summer, close drapes or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block the sun’s heat. In the winter, open them to take advantage of solar heat gain.