Electricity

  • More than 50% of annual energy costs come from your home's heating and cooling systems. Check the filters in your air conditioning and heating systems monthly and change them as needed. Vacuum dust and lint from all air intakes and outlets. Clean filters allow air to move more freely and systems to work more efficiently.
  • During the summer months, set your thermostat no lower than 78° F. Below 78°, each successive degree increases your energy costs by three percent. Use fans instead of, or in addition to, air conditioning. Remember to turn fans off when rooms are unoccupied. Close windows, drapes and blinds during the hottest times of the day.
  • Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom when showering. This reduces the amount of hot, moist air circulating in the house. Remember to turn the fan off after 20 minutes.
  • During the winter months, set your thermostat between 68° and 72°. Heat pumps operate differently than other types of heating systems, so follow the recommendations for your particular heating system.
  • Limit use of portable space heaters.
  • Check for air leaks in duct systems, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, baseboards and around windows and doors. One-third of a home's total heat loss is through unsealed windows and doors.
  • If the duct system needs to be sealed, be sure to use a quality mastic sealant.
  • Close the fireplace damper securely when not in use.
  • Install weather stripping along the door frame and a door sweep on the bottom of the door.
  • To seal windows, use plastic window film, available at home-improvement stores. Seal window edges and cracks with caulk. If windows are old and leaky, consider buying new energy-efficient windows.
  • Insulate your home. If your home has little or no insulation, look into adding some.
  • Replace conventional light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). CFLs use a fraction of the energy that traditional bulbs use and can be found at home-improvement stores.
  • Purchase energy efficient products when replacing appliances and heating and cooling systems. Look for Energy Star products.