Free or Low Cost Tips
Looking for ways to cut down on energy bills? Try some of these easy Energy Saving Tips in your home and help keep costs down.
- Cut down on water usage with faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets.
- A five degree higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10% on cooling costs.
- Turn your water heater down to 120° or the “Normal” setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
- Reduce cooling costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing blinds and curtains during the day.
- Fifteen percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers, only run full loads in the dishwasher and use cold water when doing laundry.
- Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
- Seal your home’s walls, floor, ceiling and roof to save up to 10% on your annual energy bill:
- Add weather stripping around windows and doors to reduce drafts. Use caulking to seal around ducts, plumbing and any other openings in walls, floors and ceilings to reduce air leakage.
- Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
- Don’t place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.