To help you manage your energy costs during this time,
we have the following downloadable PDFs available:
Refrigerator / Freezer
- Downsize where you can and get rid of old units, they cost 2x as much in energy compared to new ENERGY STAR® models. Make sure to recycle them properly.
- Keep the refrigerator temperature between 36 F and 42 F. Set the freezer control between -5 F and +6 F, that’s all you need.
- Dust off the coils or filters.
- Check the rubber seals on the door and make sure the cold air is not sneaking out.
- If you need to find a replacement, top loading freezer models are the most efficient design. And always choose ENERGY STAR.
Water Heater
- Keep the heater set to 120 F.
- Repair any dripping faucets promptly.
- Install water saving devices. Use low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets.
- Use a timer to shut it off during long periods when you don’t need it like when you’re sleeping.
- When you’re ready to replace, look at efficient types, like solar thermal or heat pump water heaters. They can reduce your electricity bill by up to 40%.
Oven or Stove
- Use microwaves to use up to 2/3 less energy and heat than conventional ovens.
- Make meals on the grill, with a pressure cooker, or even toaster! Anything that is not the stove or oven will help significantly.
- Reduce the heat. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.
- Don’t peek in the oven. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25 F & requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up.
- Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking.
- Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container.
Bathroom
- Shorten your showers by just two minutes. Each shower could save you up to 233 kWh and $103 per year per person in your household. Plus, you’ll save on your water bill too.
- Easily use less water by switching out showerheads and faucets to high-efficiency water fixtures. The less hot water you use, the less energy is wasted.
- LED lighting in the bathroom not only saves energy, they won’t add to the heat in the room. And they come in different colors and brightness. Need perfect lighting to put on your make-up or do your hair? Choose 5,000K daylight LED bulbs for the brightest and whitest light.
Dishwasher / Sinks
- Wash only full loads of dishes.
- Air drying dishes instead of using the heated dryer setting on your dishwasher can save you 110 kWh and $49 per year.
- Fix a leaky faucet to save at least $35 a year. You’ll also save an average of 1,661 gallons of water annually when you do!
Lighting
- Replace any bulbs with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). Even if your current incandescent bulb is still good, a new LED will be worth it as it cuts the energy by 90%!
- Don’t forget to replace old holiday lighting. The new LED type is not only more efficient, they don’t run hot so it’s safer for your pets and family.
- Use motion-detecting switches on outdoor lighting.
- Solar lighting is fast becoming the popular way to light up your landscaping without the high energy bills.
Cooling Your Home
- Use fans and breeze where possible instead of ACs. When you must use your AC, close windows and doors to keep cold air inside.
- Reduce daytime sun heat from entering your home with window coverings. Curtains/drapes block up to 33%, blinds up to 45%, and films/tints block up to 50%.
- Cooking outdoors can reduce heat in your home saving you on cooling. Your AC won’t have to work so hard.
- Use your AC’s energy saving mode so it shuts off automatically when your home temperature has cooled sufficiently.
- Save as much as 10% a year on cooling cost by simply turning your AC thermostat back 7°- 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
- Get rid of old, energy draining window AC units and upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® model if purchasing a new model.
- Clean or replace AC filters to increase efficiency by up to 15%.
Clothes Washers & Dryers
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water.
- Hang clothes instead of using the dryer.
- If you have to choose, front loading washers are at least 25% more energy and water efficient than top loading washers. Choose ENERGY STAR model to save even more – they use up to 45% less energy!
Other ways to save
- Electronic items like computers, printers, DVD players, camera battery chargers, AC adapters and cell phone chargers all use standby power when not in use. By connecting these devices to an advanced power strip to turn these items off, you can save 50 kWh and $22 per year.
- Use your TV remote’s automatic controls for brightness to reduce energy use by up to 30%.
- Make the switch to ENERGY STAR® certified products to save energy, save money and protect the climate.
Want even more great tips? Sign up for our free ENERGY Unplugged workshop today! Click for info.
Marketplace
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Pay At The Plug
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