No-Cost and Low-Cost Tips for Saving Energy

These simple tips can make a big difference in reducing your energy bill and keeping your home more comfortable year-round. Remember that even small changes can add up to significant savings over time.

No-Cost

Wash clothes in cold water. Unless your clothes are really dirty—choose cold water. It is the most energy-efficient and economical choice!
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter. For every one degree you turn your thermostat down, you will use 1% less energy.
Open or close your blinds, depending on the season. Open curtains and blinds in cooler months to allow the sunlight to warm your home. Close them in warmer months to keep rooms cooler.
Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. The default temperature setting on water heaters is around 140 degrees. Turning the temperature down to 120 degrees is safer and can save up to 22% of energy annually.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use. Keep the damper in your fireplace closed unless a fire is burning. Otherwise, your heated or cooled air can escape through the chimney.
Change your ceiling fan direction with the seasons. In the winter, set ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to circulate warm air. In the summer, set them counter-clockwise to circulate cool air.

Low-Cost

Replace incandescent and CFL lighting with LEDs. LEDs use less energy and last longer.
Plug electronics into smart power strips. Idle electronics use energy and can contribute to up to 10% of a household’s monthly electric use. Plugging equipment into a smart power strip reduces energy waste.
Change filters regularly. Dirty air filters cause your furnace to work harder and waste energy. Clean filters increase efficiency, extend the life expectancy of your equipment, and help cut energy costs. Use the change schedule recommended by the filter manufacturer. If you have a ductless heat pump, clean it regularly per the manufacturer
Install a door sweep. Add door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors to provide a tight seal against drafts and keep the cold and moisture out.
Check for air leaks. Use a lit incense stick or smoke pencil to check for air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or wiring come through walls, floors, or ceilings. Seal with caulk or spray foam to keep unwanted drafts and moisture out of indoor spaces.
Seal your outlets and light switches. Outlets and light switches on outside walls can be a source of unwanted drafts and heat loss. Inexpensive outlet and switch-sealing gaskets can improve weatherization and stop outside air infiltration.