Top Saving Tips
You don't have to completely remodel your home in order to make it more energy-efficient. There are many easy, but effective, steps, you can take to reduce your energy consumption. Here is a list if some of the top things you can do to start saving today.
Set Your Thermostat
In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or warmer with the fan switched to auto. For additional energy savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you're away from home.
In the winter, heat your home at 68 degrees or cooler. To save even more, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees or cooler at night or when you're away.
Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature
Lower the temperature on your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees. This is the recommended temperature setting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Clean or Replace the AC Filter
To help your air conditioner run more efficiently and to lower cooling costs, clean or replace the filter regularly.
Turn Off Your Ceiling Fan
When you leave a room, turn off the ceiling fan. A fan that runs all the time costs up to $7 a month.
Use Your Dishwasher
To conserve energy when washing dishes, use your dishwasher as opposed to running hot water in the sink. Avoid pre-rinsing dishes to save up to $70 a year.
Limit the Use of a Pool Pump
Limit the time you run your pool pump. In the summer, run for up to six hours a day; in the winter, no more than four.
Adjust Your Washing Machine
Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water. To save energy, always use a cold rinse.
Clean and Set Your Dryer
Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to dry your clothes faster, and use the auto sensor function to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes.
Take the Showerhead Test
Here's an easy way to determine if your showerhead is water efficient. Take the showerhead test:
Get a bucket and a watch/clock that counts seconds.
Place the bucket underneath the showerhead.
Turn the shower on all the way using cold water.
Time how long it takes for one gallon of water to fall into the bucket.
Check your timing, if it takes:
Less than 24 seconds to fill a gallon of water, then you do not have the most efficient showerhead because its flow exceeds the recommended 2.5 gallons per minute.
More than 24 seconds to fill a gallon of water, then you have an efficient showerhead.