ENERGY SAVING TIPS

  • Change or clean filters on air handling systems regularly. Dirty filters can cause excessive wear, reduce cooling efficiencies and increase the amount of energy needed to cool your home.

  • Turn off unnecessary lights or appliances, such as television sets, which produce heat. Do baking, clothes washing, ironing and other hot jobs at night or early morning.

  • Do not block your air conditioning unit with drapes or bulky furniture. If installing a window unit, it should be placed on the north or shady side of the house to reduce its workload.
  • Use your window shades, blinds or curtains to help keep your home cool. Fully close them on the warmer side of your home to keep the heat out.

  • Open shaded windows when outdoor temperatures are more pleasant to get a breeze. To get the best breeze, open windows that are across from each other.

  • Use fans to supplement your air conditioner. Air movement allows you to set your thermostat at 78 or 80 degrees and maintain the same comfort level.

  • Use your exhaust fan above the stove to get rid of the heat. Turn off cooking units when not in use. Do not open the oven door often to check the food. Each time you open the door the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees.

  • Turn off the lights in any room not being used. Consider installing timers or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.

  • Consider using three-way lamps. They make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter light is not necessary.

  • Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.


  • In most cases, the biggest portion of a home's utility bill is the heating and cooling system. Keep your home energy efficient with proper insulation.

  • A dirty lint screen can cause your clothes dryer to use more electricity. Clean the lint screen after each load.

  • Keep heat sources, such as lamps, away from the home's cooling or heating system thermostat.