Energy Saving Tips

Energy
Saving Tips

Free & Low Cost
Recommendations

Replace Light Bulbs
•Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save 75% off lighting costs.

Unplug Electronics
•Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator. Ask us about Smart Strips for easy management of highly used items.

Save Water
•Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%.

Adjust Your Thermostat
•Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.

Buy Energy Efficient
Appliances
•Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment - they’re up to 40% more efficient.

Adjust Your Water Heater
•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.

Keep Cool With Ceiling Fans
•Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.

Power Down Your Computer
•Enable “power management” on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models.

Find and Seal Leaks
•Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.

Good Investment
Recommendations

Programmable Thermostat
•Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat – It can save over $150 and pays for itself in less than 12 months.  Ask about our new easy-set thermometer.

Maintain Your Clothes Dryer
•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.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water
•When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.

Load Up Your Dishwasher
•Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.

Seal Your Ducts
•Have your heating and cooling ducts professionally sealed to save up to $190 or more per year.

Seal Your Home
•Seal your home’s envelope (walls, floor, ceiling and roof) to save up to 10% on your annual energy bill.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
•After air sealing, determine the current level of insulation. Most U.S. homes should have between R-22-R-49 insulation in the attic. Insulating can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5% to 25%.
Maintain Your Cooling System
•Have your air conditioning unit serviced to cut 15% of cooling costs.

Upgrade Your Heating System
•Replace heating equipment more than 15 years old with new ENERGY STAR qualified models. Equipment must be sized and installed properly.
•Old furnaces cost more to operate per year than new, ENERGY STAR qualified models that are 15% more efficient than standard models.
•An ENERGY STAR qualified electric heat pump is 20% more efficient and can save you about $130 annually.

Windows
•Install high efficiency windows, which are 40% more efficient than standard windows. Consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows that are gas-filled with high performance glass (e.g., low emissivity or “low-e” glass). ENERGY STAR qualified windows may help reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. The windows must be sized and installed properly.