Heating/AC

Heating and air conditioning are the largest energy loads in our homes accounting for up to 50% of our monthly usage.

• Regular Maintenance. Schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system. Clean or replace filters regularly (typically every 1-3 months).
• Programmable Thermostat. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures according to your schedule. Set thermostats to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter.
• Use Ceiling Fans. Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air more effectively. In winter, set them to run clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down.
• Insulate. Caulk and weatherstrip doors, windows, and any other openings to prevent heat or air loss. Insulate attics, access doors, basements, and crawl spaces to further reduce heat or air loss.
• Shade Windows. Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out direct sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering your home during the summer. In the winter, open the curtains or blinds during the day to let the heat in. 

The bigger the gap in outside temperature and your thermostat temperature, the longer your HVAC system has to work to cool or heat your home. Close that gap to save energy & money!

Laundry

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• Wash with Cold Water. About 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heating water. Use cold water for most loads, as modern detergents are effective in cold water.
• Wash Full Loads. Always wash full loads to maximize the energy and water efficiency of your washing machine. If you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level settings accordingly.
• Clean the Lint Filter. Clean the lint filter before every load to improve air circulation and efficiency. Also, periodically check and clean the dryer vent to prevent blockages and reduce fire risk. Make sure the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to dryer.
• Air Dry Clothes. Whenever possible, air dry your clothes on a drying rack or clothesline. This method uses no energy and can help extend the life of your clothes.
• Regular Maintenance. Keep your washing machine and dryer well-maintained. Periodically clean the drum, door seal, and detergent dispenser to ensure optimal performance.
• Do Laundry in Morning or Evening. In hot weather, avoid running the washer and dryer during the heat of the day. 

Water Heating

Water heaters are among the largest energy consumers in homes, often accounting for a significant portion of energy bills.

• Lower the Thermostat. Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F. This temperature is sufficient for most household needs and can reduce energy consumption and the risk of scalding.
• Perform Regular Maintenance. Drain 1-2 gallons of water from the tank each year to remove sediment that can reduce efficiency.
• Insulate Hot Water Pipes. Insulate exposed hot water pipes coming out of your water heater to minimize heat loss and keep the water hotter for longer.
• Take Shorter Showers. Encourage family members to take shorter showers to reduce hot water consumption. Limit shower lengths to 5-7 minutes. 
• Turn Off Water. Don’t let water run when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most energy-intensive areas in your home and can amount to 15-20% of your monthly usage.

• Upgrade to Energy Star® Appliances. When replacing old appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers and overs, choose those with the Energy Star® label.
• Maintain Appliances. Keep appliances in good working condition. Clean refrigerator coils, replace dishwasher filters, and check oven seals to ensure efficient operation.
• Use Microwave and Toaster Oven. For small meals or reheating, use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventional oven. They use less energy and cook food faster. 
• Cover Pots and Pans. Covering pots and pans while cooking helps retain heat, reducing cooking time and energy consumption.
• Allow Hot Foods to Cool. Let hot foods cool down to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator to avoid raising the internal temperature. Set the refrigerator temperture to 34°-37°F and the freezer to 0°-5°F. 
• Run Full Loads. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full to maximize efficiency and skip the heated dry. Choose the air-dry or no-heat drying option to save energy.
• Optimize Ventilation. Use range hoods and exhaust fans efficiently to remove heat and moisture, helping your kitchen appliances work more effectively.

Plug Loads

Plug loads refer to the energy consumed by devices and appliances that are plugged into electrical outlets. Managing plug load energy can lead to an 8-10% reduction in monthly usage. 

• Unplug Devices When Not in Use. Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off. Unplug chargers, coffee makers, and other electronics when they’re not in use to eliminate this “phantom” or “vampire” power drain.
• Use Power Strips. Plug multiple devices into a power strip with an on/off switch. Turn off the power strip when the devices are not in use to cut power to all connected devices at once.
• Smart Power Strips. Invest in smart power strips that automatically cut power to devices in standby mode or turn off connected devices when not in use.
• Enable Power Saving Modes. Set computers, monitors, and other devices to enter sleep or power-saving mode after a period of inactivity. Adjust settings to ensure they use minimal power when idle.
• Look for Energy Star® Labels. Choose devices with the Energy Star® label. 

Lighting

Lighting is an essential part of our daily lives, impacting everything from productivity and safety to comfort and aesthetics. However, traditional lighting can amount up to 12% of our monthly energy usage. Energy saving light bulbs can slice lighting costs by 75%.

• Swtich to LED Bulbs. Replace incandescent and halogen bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer.
• Use Natural Light. Maximize the use of natural daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day. Position workspaces and reading areas near windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Install Motion Sensors. Install motion sensors in rooms that are infrequently used, such as hallways, bathrooms, and storage areas. 
• Maintain Clean Fixtures. Regularly clean light fixtures, bulbs, and lampshades to ensure maximum light output and efficiency.
• Turn off unnecessary lighting. Make it a habit to turn off lights when you leave a room, even if it’s just for a short period.
• Upgrade Outdoor Lighting: Use solar-powered lights or energy-efficient LEDs for outdoor lighting. Ensure outdoor lights are on timers or motion sensors to avoid wasting energy.