Energy Efficiency

Simple solutions for reducing energy consumption and lowering your costs.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling can take up 40-50% of your annual energy spend.

  • Check or replace filters on your furnace, air conditioner and heat pump. When installing new air filters, make sure they are facing in the correct direction (look for an arrow on side of filter).
  • Assess heating and cooling systems annually. Determine if replacements are justified, or whether you should retrofit them to make them more efficient.
  • Insulate water pipes and ductwork wherever they run through unheated areas.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to save on heating or cooling your home – while you’re away at work during the day, for example. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, adjust your thermostat when you leave home.
  • Upgrade or replace leaky windows – consider double-glazed windows. If you want a few more years out of your existing windows, put weather stripping around them and get or apply “low-e” coatings to help reduce heating or cooling loss.
  • Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side, to reduce your air conditioning costs.
  • Adjust window shades to keep out heat in warmer months or naturally warm your home in cooler months.

Appliances and Electronics

  • Use power strips to turn off electronic devices during vacations or while not in use.
  • Avoid streaming video content on game consoles; those devices use 10 times more power than a laptop or tablet.
  • Replace any light bulbs – especially those that are highly used – with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
  • Check the age or condition of your major appliances. Refrigerators are often a big energy culprit.
  • Clean refrigerator coils annually.
  • Cook on gas grills in the summer months to save more energy than using a conventional stove or oven.
  • Use a microwave or slow cooker when possible.
  • If you are heating water on the stove, use tap water instead of cold.
  • Don’t over-dry your clothes. Use your dryer’s moisture sensor if it has one.
  • Remember to clean you dryer’s lint trap before running it.
  • Try to dry only full loads or reduce the drying time for partial loads.
  • Stagger power consumptions as much as possible during the on-peak period of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is called your demand charge. Limit the use of “power-hungry” appliances at the same time.
  • To get a better idea about energy-efficient appliances, check our Energy Usage Guide.

Water Heating

  • Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you have a water heater that is insulated with fiberglass, wrap a water heater blanket around it.
  • Check for leaks around your water heater and faucets.

Want a deeper look at where you can save energy and money? Visit My Usage for more information about your energy usage that can help you make informed decisions.