Seasonal Tips

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Save 1-3% on heating costs for every degree you dial down. Use a smart thermostat to help you with this task.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save up to 30% on energy costs every year when sealing air leaks in your home. Inspect and seal around the following areas to help save the most:

• Doors
• Windows
• Recessed lights
• Attic hatches

Check out our window and insulation rebates to save.

Did you know that devices continue to draw power even when they appear to be turned off? This can cost up to $200 a year in wasted energy. Fight this by regularly unplugging your devices, or let a smart power strip do the work for you. The features of advanced power strips make it easier than ever to ensure devices are fully powered down.

Learn more about smart strips equipped with motion sensors, voltage sensitivity controls and master switches, and see which model is right for you in our Advanced Power Strips infographic.

Your dishwasher uses hot water from your water heater to do its job, which can add up over time. Here’s how you can save on water heating:

• Set your dishwasher at 120 degrees or “low” if you can.
  
  
• Make sure your dishwasher is full (but not jam-packed) when you run it.
  
  
• Use the shortest cycle that is needed to get your dishes clean.
  
  
• Let your dishes air dry instead of using the drying option, or use the non-heat drying option.
  
  
• Keep the dishwasher drains clean since they run better when cleaned regularly.

Cook delicious meals and help lower energy costs by following these suggestions:

• Preheat the oven only when the recipe calls for it. Keep in mind that you don’t need to preheat if you’re using the broiler – it heats up pretty quickly.
  
  
• If you have a gas stove, look at the color of the flames from your burners. If the flames are yellow, energy is being wasted and the burners need adjusting. Call an appliance repair professional for this.
  
  
• Make sure your pots and pans are the right size for the burners and use lids when you cook as this heats food faster.
  
  
• Use glass and ceramic dishes since they hold heat better.
  
  
• Open the oven door as little as possible to keep from heat escaping.
  
  
• Try using your other small appliances like crockpots, electric frying pans and microwaves more.
  
  
• Practice your dicing skills. Small pieces of food cook faster and that saves energy.
  
  
• Looking for a new gas stove? Choose a model with electronic igniters instead of a pilot light.
  
  
• If you’re using an electric stove, try turning off the stove when your meal is almost done. The burners stay hot long after you turn them off.
  
  
• If you have a self-cleaning oven, clean it immediately after cooking. This takes less energy to raise the temperature to the cleaning stage.

Your refrigerator/freezer is one of the biggest energy users in your home. These tips can help you waste less and save more:

• As recommended by ENERGY STAR®, keep the fridge between 35°- 38°F to keep food fresh without wasting energy.
  
  
• Get a fridge thermometer at your local hardware store and put it on a shelf. Then adjust the temperature settings and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to see how long it will take to adjust. Use the thermometer to double check and make sure the temperature is right.
  
  
• Clean your refrigerator’s condenser coils at least twice a year.
  
  
• Keeping your fridge and freezer fuller uses less energy. A full fridge and freezer has less air in it and air warms up faster than food each time you open the door.
  
  
• If you don’t have a full fridge, keep a few jugs of water in it. If your freezer isn’t very full, add bags of ice.
  
  

• While full is good, try not to overpack your fridge or freezer. Leaving a little bit of room on the front of the shelves allows the cold air to circulate better.
  
  
• When your fridge and freezer doors are closed, put your hand near the edges and make sure you don’t feel cold air escaping. If it feels cold, your refrigerator is not sealing properly and you might as well leave the door open. Try replacing the seal first as an inexpensive fix.

• Pull the plug your old second refrigerator, which could be costing you up to $150 a year in electric bills.

Washers and dryers are some of the biggest energy users in the house. By paying a little extra attention on how you use energy here, you can prevent your money going down the drain:

• Washing your clothes in cold water saves on water heating costs, keeps colors from fading and clothes from shrinking.
  
  
• Wash a full load when you can. If you can’t wait for a full load, use the appropriate load-size setting.
  
  
• Remember to add the right amount of detergent. Too many suds make your washer work harder and use more energy. Plus, too much detergent can lead to mildew.
  
  
• Air dry your clothes when you can. Not only will this cut down on your energy bill, but it’s less damaging to your clothes. Hang them outside during the warmer months for energy savings and that fresh air smell. Indoor drying racks are a good option for year-round drying and can pay for themselves within a year.
  
  
• Try not to overload your clothes dryer or do really small dryer loads. Dryers tend to work best with a medium load where clothes have room to tumble and the warm air can circulate.
  
  
• Remember to clean the lint traps on your dryer before every load and clean your dryer vents regularly. It helps you use less energy and also prevents a source of home fires.
  
  
• When you can, dry your laundry in loads one after another, to take advantage of a heated dryer.