Tips for the Home
Heating:
1. In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room.
2. Close drapes, blinds and shades at night to help retain heat.
3. Keep your thermostat set at 68º F during the daytime and 55º F at night to stay comfortable and save gas or turn it off if you’re away for more than four hours.
4. In the winter, open your window coverings on sunny days to help warm the rooms.
Water heater:
5. Lower your water heater temp to 120ºF or “low” (140º F or “medium” if you have a dishwasher without its own heating element).
6. Insulate your water heater with an insulation jacket or blanket to reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%.
Laundry:
7. Wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy use in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
8. Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load.
Kitchen:
9. Use the broiler when possible. The broiler uses less energy, and preheating is not required.
10. Microwave small amounts of food instead of heating them up in the oven to save big on gas use. Microwaves are about 66% more efficient than convection ovens.
11. To cut back, only run your dishwasher with full loads. As much as 80% of the energy used by your dishwasher goes towards heating the water.
Bathroom:
12. Install low-flow showerheads if you don’t already have them. Low-flow showerheads can save you an average of 10-16% on your water heating costs.
13. Conserve water. Showers account for 66% of your water heater costs. Cutting your shower time in half can reduce your heating costs by 33%.
Insulation:
14. Increase your home's efficiency by installing attic and wall insulation. You'll save up to up to 25% on your winter heating costs.
15. Have a contractor check your central heating/air for leaks. 20% of heated air can be lost through leaky ducts.
16. Create a “building envelope” around your basement, doors and windows. Add weather stripping around windows and doors to reduce drafts.
17. Check your plumbing, chimney, fireplace damper, attic, recessed lights and fans, electrical outlets, windows, doors, and baseboard moldings for air leaks. Use caulking to reduce air leaks.