Energy Information

Energy Saving Tips

General Heating | Central Forced Air | Zonal Heating | Water Use | Lighting Refrigerators & Freezers | Air Conditioning | Laundry | Cooking

General Heating

Make sure your home is properly insulated (ceiling, walls, and floors).

Don't depend on thermostat settings; go by your own comfort. Keep the temperature where you are comfortable wearing a light sweater.

For every degree you lower your thermostat setting, you save 1% of your heating costs. Heat pumps require special thermostats for automatic temperature setbacks.

When the house is cold, don't "overset" the thermostat for temperature recovery. The house won't heat any faster.

Keep drapes and shades open in sunny windows; close them at night.

Be sure the heated air flow is not restricted by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use. Glass doors are recommended.

Keep foundation vents closed during cold weather.

Install weather stripping and caulking on doors, windows and other openings to stop air leakage.

Use portable electric space heaters safely.

Use storm windows or plastic covers on windows in winter.

Seal off window air conditioners and swamp coolers in the winter.

Keep wall and baseboard heaters clean and free of debris.

Tips Index