Home Energy Efficiency Tips

temperature icon

Heating

  • Set your thermostat to 68°F when away and at night
  • Add heavy window treatments to windows. Keep open on sunny days and close at night
  • Service heating system annually
  • Install a “smart thermostat”
  • Operate ceiling fan in reverse mode on low speed when rooms are occupied and with ceiling heights over 10 feet

temperature icon

Cooling

  • Set your thermostat to 78°F when at home and at night, 85°F when away
  • Close window treatment during the day on windows that receive direct sunlight
  • Service cooling system annually
  • Operate a ceiling fan anytime a room is occupied

home icon

Insulation, Air Ducts
& Air Leaks

  • Check ceiling insulation thickness and add additional insulation if less than 6 inches thick
  • Insulate crawlspace floors
  • Insulate and weather-strip attic access covers and pull down ladders
  • Change the return air filter monthly
  • Have your heating and cooling contractor inspect and pressure test your air duct for leaks or damaged insulation
  • Unblock and fully open supply air vents
  • As much as possible, keep interior doors open to provide good air circulation
  • Maintain open space around return air filter openings
  • Seal cracks and gaps around plumbing, wiring, windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping

water icon

Hot Water Usage
& Settings

  • Insulate hot water tank and exposed water lines
  • Set both water heater thermostats to 120°F
  • Check for water leaks and repair immediately
  • Install low flow shower heads with a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute or less
  • Wash clothes in cold water
  • Take a 10 minute or less shower instead of a bath
  • Install on/off faucet aerators on your faucets to reduce wasted hot water

plug icon

Appliance Replacement
& Lights

  • Look for the EPA EnergyStar label when purchasing new appliances
  • Replace electric storage Water Heaters with a Heat Pump Water Heater
  • Only use LED Light bulbs
  • Turn off the lights when you leave a room

Computers
& Electronics

  • Set computers to sleep mode when not in use
  • Use “smart power strips” to eliminate plug-in appliance standby power use