Energy Efficiency Tips

An energy efficient home will keep your family comfortable while saving you money.  Whether you take small steps or make large investments, you’ll see lower energy bills.  Over time those savings will typically pay for the costs of improvements, and put money back in your pocket.  Your home might even increase in value and make it more attractive to potential buyers when you sell.  Here are a few no cost and low cost tips on ways to save energy today:

• Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently. 

• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. 

• Turn things off when you are not in the room such as lights, TVs, entertainment systems, and your computer and monitor.

• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use—TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.

• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.

• Take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow showerheads for additional energy savings.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

• Air dry clothes.

• Check to see that windows and doors are closed when heating or cooling your home.

• Drive sensibly; aggressive driving such as speeding, and rapid acceleration and braking, wastes fuel.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label on light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.