Energy Resource Center

Well-maintained equipment runs more efficiently, so replace or clean filters as needed. Units that are overcharged or have low coolant levels will ultimately cost you more. Be sure to have your air conditioning unit serviced every 1-2 years. 

A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different periods throughout the day. Once you program it, you won’t have to touch it again. The thermostat automatically resets according to your instructions.

A good landscaping plan can do wonders. For instance, properly placed trees around the house can save you between $100 and $250 annually on your electric bill. Plant deciduous trees that will grow high, spreading their branches over the south side of your house. On the west side, plant trees with lower crowns to block the afternoon sun.

Keep your blinds, shades and curtains closed on the south and west-facing windows during the day to block the heat of direct sunlight during warmer months. In cold months, open these drapes to add the heat from the sun to your home.

Add weather-stripping on doors and windows, and caulk the cracks to keep conditioned air inside and outdoor air from leaking into your home.

Install recommended levels of insulation to lower heating and cooling costs. On warm days, attic temperatures can get up to 140°F.

A ceiling fan can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler while using less energy than a 100-watt light bulb. Remember to run fans only when people are present in the room; ceiling fans cool people, not the air.

Grill outside when possible in warmer months. When you need to prepare small portions of food, use the microwave, toaster or a counter-top grill, all of which use less energy than a full-sized oven.

After extinguishing the fire in your fireplace, be sure to close the damper. Leaving the damper open creates a path for warm air to escape from your home.

Lighting accounts for approximately 13% of the average household’s electricity bill. Using energy-efficient light bulbs, like CFLs and LEDs, will help save energy throughout the year.
​​​​​​

Using space heaters to temper the air in a bathroom for a short period may be a good option, but using them to heat the entire house will cost more than using a heat pump. The amount of energy you would use to run two space heaters could power a central heat pump large enough to heat an 1,800 sq. ft. home.

40% of the energy used in washing comes from heating the water. Washing clothes in cold water can help keep your clothes clean at a lower cost.