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10 Quick Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill

Spending just a few minutes this weekend can save you hundreds this season.

  1. Seal and insulate your home. Energy Star home sealing will cut your energy costs by up to
    10%.
  2. Install an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat. Easy to install, and will save you
    more than $100 a year when used properly.
  3. Switch to Energy Star qualified light bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer and use 66% less
    energy than standard bulbs.
  4. Change your air filters every 1-3 months. This will cut costs and help extend the life of your
    HVAC system.
  5. Install an Energy Star qualified ceiling fan. Cuts costs by helping circulate heat.
  6. Upgrade to Energy Star qualified appliances. In terms of energy savings, these innovative
    models will often pay for themselves.
  7. Install Energy Star qualified doors and windows. Replacing single pane windows can save
    you up to $125 - $340 per year.
  8. Shift laundry and dish washing to off - peak hours and run full capacity loads.
  9. In winter, lower your thermostat to 68 degrees, and in summer raise it to 74 degrees.
  10. Reduce your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.


Keep the cold out this winter

  • Insulate your ceiling. Bring attic R-rating up to at least an R30.
  • Install weather stripping around exterior doors and along thresholds. If the gap at the bottom of
    the door is quite large, install a door sweep.
  • Seal the gaps around pipes that to connect to the house from the outside. Use expanding
    foam.
  • Seal around light switches, cable, phone and power outlets. Install foam gaskets behind the
    plates.
  • Seal and insulate ducts on your HVAC system. Seal the joints with mastic sealant and insulate
    ducts to an R-value of 6 or higher.
  • Seal and glaze windows. Add caulk where the frame exterior trim meets the siding.
  • Check for gaps around registers. Seal edges with caulk.
  • Wrap your water heater in an insulation jacket. Burner will cycle less often.
  • Close fireplace damper when not in use. An open flue is just as bad as an open window.
  • Keep curtains open during the day. This will maximize solar gain.
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