Keep Records
Keep records for a few months each season. Learn how changes in your activities can affect your energy budget. Use Less Energy Make changes to how you use your energy.
Use Less Energy
Make easy changes first. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Set thermostats for energy economy – Make changes in temperature levels gradually so you and your family can adjust – It is estimated that a 1º F temperature change can reduce heating and cooling costs by 2 to 3% – By installing a programmable thermostat, changes such as these require minimal effort
- Keep heating and cooling systems working more efficiently by replacing filters monthly and having your system serviced annually
- Turn off lights whenever possible
- Use energy-efficient lighting such as T-8 fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescent lighting, and high-pressure sodium lighting to cut lighting costs by up to 75%
- Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120º F
- Fix hot water faucet leaks
- Reduce phantom loads