Saving on Energy Costs

To save money on energy costs, we suggest the following general tips: 

• Close your exterior doors and windows when the heating or AC is on.
• Lower your thermostat every time you leave the house.
• Raise the temperature slowly to keep your bill lower. Quickly raising your temperature set point activates the heat strip, which uses tons of energy.
• Set your thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day in the winter, and 65-68 degrees at night to keep your home comfortable and save on heating costs.
• Set your thermostat to 78-80 degrees during the day in the summer, and 80-82 degrees at night to save on cooling cost.
• Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counter-clockwise direction in the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave - they only cool people, not rooms.
• Use ceiling fans or floor fans to cool off for less.

To save money on electricity and gas, the most important thing is to use gas and electricity wisely and follow the tips below:

• Don't leave your TV set, radio or stereo turned on all day long when no one is paying attention.
• Turn off lights when you are not using them. Keep light bulbs clean so they stay bright.

To save money on electricity and gas in cold weather, follow the tips below:

• Close window coverings on cloudy days or as soon as the sun sets.
• Dress warmly in your home.
• Keep drapes, furniture, and floor coverings from blocking hot and cold air return openings.
• Open the window coverings on the sunny side of your home during the day and let the sun give you "free heat".
• Turn the thermostat down at night and during the day when you are gone.
• Use several light blankets to trap more warm air, rather than one heavy blanket.
• Washing machines: use cold water to wash a full load.

To save money on water, follow the tips below:

• Don't leave home when you are watering your lawn.
• Don't leave water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
• Fill the sink to wash dishes, and fill to rinse instead of letting the water run. This will save about 5 gallons for an average dish load.
• Report leaking faucets and constantly running toilets to maintenance.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Wash your car at a self-service carwash which recycles the water.