Tips & Resources

There are plenty of places in your home where easy changes mean big savings. Check out these tips to see how you can start saving energy and money.

 

#1
Lower your water heater to 120°. You’ll still have plenty of hot water.
#2
In the winter, make the most of sunlight by opening window coverings on south-facing windows to help warm your home.
#3
Do more loads of laundry with cold water.
#4
Replace your furnace filter regularly. Furnace filters can easily be replaced monthly during heating season.
#5
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
#6
Weatherize your home by weather-stripping doors and sealing windows. That's where you're most likely to find holes to the outside.
#7
Invest in a programmable thermostat that turns your heat down when you're not home.
#8
Add more insulation. The attic and basement are the easiest places to begin.
#9
Purchase a high efficiency heating system and water heater.
#10
Upgrade your furnace or boiler to a new high efficiency model. New technology boots efficiency of some models to 95% or more. Many older models are less than 80% efficient.
#11
Upgrade your water heater to a new high efficiency model.
#12
Install storm windows and doors.
#13
Lower your heat to 55 when you are going away for several days.
#14
Keep fireplace dampers closed until you are ready to use them.
#15
Have your heating system checked annually.
#16
Close heating registers in seldom used rooms.
#17
Only use water when necessary while doing dishes, washing up, brushing teeth or shaving.
#18
Taking short showers instead of baths.
#19
Wrap the hot water pipes coming out of your water heater with insulation.
#20
Load dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers to capacity, without overloading.
#21
Don't peek in the oven as you cook.