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SAVINGS TIPS

Energy-Saving Tips for your Home

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Clothes hanging on clothesline.

Laundry

  • Purchase ENERGY STAR® washers and dryers (see below for rebate incentives).
  • Wash full load of clothes in cold water.
  • When possible, hang clothes instead of using a dryer.
  • Clean the lint screen every load to reduce energy costs and help prevent house fires. Periodically inspect your dryer vent to be sure it is not blocked.
See Washer & Dryer Rebates

Photo of roffing installer.

Roofing

  • If you are replacing your roof, buy roofing with an ENERGY STAR® label. Select new roofing that is light in color.
  • Apply a reflective coating to an existing roof to bounce off the sun’s rays. It is like thick paint, and you can do it yourself.
  • Consider installing a green roof on your home. A “green” roof, planted over a waterproof film in soil, provides insulation for your home and lowers your indoor temperature. Contract with a licensed, experienced professional.

Woman placing items in refrigerator.

Refrigerator/Freezer

  • Purchase an ENERGY STAR® unit when buying a new refrigerator or freezer.
  • Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36º F and 42º F. Set the freezer control between -5º F and +6º F.
  • Clean dust off the coils and filters.
  • Check the rubber seals on the door. Replace if worn.

Woman cooking a stove.

Oven/Stove

  • Reduce the heat. A fast boil does not cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.
  • Don’t peek in the oven. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25º F and requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up.
  • Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking.
  • Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container.

Dishes drying in drainer.

Dishwasher/Sinks

  • Air drying dishes instead of using the heated dryer setting on your dishwasher can save you 110 kWh and $20.89 per year.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes.
  • Fix a leaky faucet. A leaky faucet that drips just one hot water drop per second costs you 400 kWh and $75.98 per year.

Photo of showerhead.

Bath

  • Shorten your showers by just two minutes. Each shower could save you up to 233 kWh and $44.26 per year per person in your household. Plus, you’ll save on your water bill too.
  • WaterSense shower heads can save water. They can save enough to wash 70 loads of laundry and conserve enough energy to power a home for 13 days a year.

Man setting temperature on water heater.

Water Heater

  • Purchase an energy-efficient model. Consider tankless models.
  • Set the heater to 120º F.
  • Repair any dripping faucets promptly.
  • Install water saving devices.
  • Use low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets.

Woman replacing light bulb.

Lighting

  • Use light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).
  • Use motion-detecting switches on outdoor lighting.
  • When designed well, LED lighting can be more efficient, durable, versatile and longer lasting—so consider the long-term benefits of LEDs when making your purchasing decisions.
  • Because CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, they must be handled and disposed of with extra care. Please click here for more information.

Ohoto of low flowing plumbing fixtures.

Low Flow Plumbing

  • Achieving more savings by fixing a leaking faucet or twisting on an aerator, costing only a few dollars.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Less water down the drain also means less energy to deliver and heat water.
  • If you can’t replace your high volume toilet, install a dual flush valve or put a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used.

energysense

DIY Home Energy Audit

  • Simple to fill out
  • Maximize home energy efficiency
  • Identify problem areas in your home
  • Improve power consumption habits
DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST

photo of home thermostat.

Cooling

  • Purchase energy-efficient ducted or ductless air conditioning units (see below for rebate incentives).
  • Use fans instead of air conditioners. Even if you use your air conditioner, use fans to circulate cold air and save energy and money.
  • Check to see that windows and doors are closed when cooling your home.
  • Turn off fans when room is not occupied.
  • Add tinting to windows, close drapes or shutters or plant shrubs and trees on east and west exposures.
See Air Conditioning Rebates