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The chart above shows the amount of energy used by the average home nationwide. However, your own household's use may vary from this based on a number of factors. |
Energy Conservation Tips
There are many low-cost/no-cost energy conservation efforts that can be implemented into your home to save energy and money on your energy bill.
Changes in your daily habits may also help to reduce your energy use such as a shorter shower, turn off lights when they're not needed or turn off water while brushing your teeth.
For more energy conservation resources, visit this page.
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Winter
• Run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter
• Set thermostats to 68°F in winter
• Make sure drapes and shades are open to catch free solar heat in the winter
• Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in during the winter
• Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped |
Summer
• Change HVAC filters monthly
• Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer
• Set thermostats to 78°F in summer
• Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out during summer
• Make sure insulation in your attic does not block soffit vents |
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Laundry
• Wash and rinse clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads
• Use bath towels at least twice before washing them
• Clean your dryer’s lint trap before each load
• Check to make sure the dryer vent hose is not disconnected, kinked or clogged
• Dry consecutive loads to harvest heat remaining in dryer from last load
• Consider using an old-fashioned indoor or outdoor clothes line |
Kitchen
• Set the refrigerator temperature to 34° - 37°F and freezer temperature to 0° - 5°F
• Clean refrigerator coils annually
• Unplug unused refrigerators or freezers
• Use microwave for cooking when possible
• When cooking on the range, use pot lids to help food cook faster
• If you are heating water, use hot tap water instead of cold
• Use cold water for garbage disposal
• Let hot food cool before storing it in the refrigerator
• Rinse dirty dishes with cold water before putting them into the dishwasher
• Only run dishwasher when fully loaded |
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Water Heating
• Set water heater temperature no higher than
120°F
• For households with 1 or 2 members, a 115°F setting may work fine
• Install water-heater wrap per manufacturer’s instructions
• Drain 1-2 gallons from bottom of water heater each year to reduce sediment build up
• Insulate exposed hot water lines
• Install low-flow shower heads
• Limit shower length to 5 - 7 minutes
• Fix dripping faucets
• Don’t let water run while you’re shaving or brushing your teeth |
Lighting
• Replace any light bulb that burns more than one hour per day with its equivalent
Compact fluorescent bulb (CFL)
• Turn off unnecessary lighting including phantom loads
• Replace outdoor lighting with its outdoor-rated equivalent CFL
• Use fixtures with electronic ballasts and T-8, 32-Watt fluorescent lamps |
