- Set your thermostats to 78 degrees in summer, 68 degrees in winter. According to season, lower or raise overnight settings by 10 degrees.
- Set your thermostat fans to "auto" and not "on." This cuts energy use and improves room humidity.
- Install programmable thermostats.
Do It Yourself
You can start reducing energy costs right away. Use the following self analysis and quick fix checklist to get started, then contact us to take the next step toward improving your home's efficiency.
Ways to save with heating and cooling:
Thermostat
Air Flow and HVAC Equipment
- Check all floor registers to ensure they're clear and not obstructed by furniture or carpets.
- Check your HVAC filters to ensure they're clean. Change them a minimum of four times, annually.
- Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer, up in winter.
- Check your outdoor heat pump and/or A/C unit. It must be clean and free of leaves and other debris.
- Avoid heating or cooling unoccupied areas.
Ways to save with water and major appliances:
Water Usage
- Check your water heater to ensure it's set no higher than 120 degrees.
- Use your dishwasher's "air-dry" cycle rather than "heat-dry."
- Install low-flow aerators on sink faucets.
- Install low-flow shower heads.
- Wash clothes in cold water (use hot water only for very dirty loads). Always use cold water rinse.
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes.
Major Appliances
- Switch your refrigerator's power saver to "on."
- Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® rated appliances.
Ways to save with lighting and small appliances:
Entertainment/Appliances
- Check TVs, chargers, audio equipment and other small appliances that consume current, even when not running. Keep unused units turned off. Consider outlet strips and other devices that can be easily unplugged or turned off when not in use.
Lighting
- Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) wherever possible.
- Turn off unnecessary room lighting. Never leave lights on in unoccupied areas.
- Reduce outdoor lighting intensity and duration of overnight timer cycles.