Energy Saving Tips

Substantial savings on heating and cooling costs can be enjoyed if you follow some simple tips. Click here to request a complete US Department of Energy book on energy savers.

• Check to ensure your home or business is adequately insulated.
• Insulate attic, heating and air conditioning ducts, water pipes, and outside walls.
• Maintain reasonable indoor temperatures (68 degrees in the winter, 78 degrees in the summer).
• Set your water heater thermostat at 125 degrees (if you have an electric dishwasher, set it at 140 degrees). Typically, water heaters account for about 20% of your annual electric bill.
• Close the doors of unoccupied rooms isolated from the rest of the house.
• Fix leaky faucets. Even a slow drip wastes hot water.
• Reduce hot water use; don't let hot water run when you're not using it.
• Operate your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher with full loads.
• Check the wiring of your home electric system to make sure that it is adequate. An overworked system is inefficient and hazardous.
• Inspect and clean heating systems annually. If your home has central air, clean/replace air filters frequently.
• Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
• Close fireplace dampers when fireplace is not in use.
• Turn off TV and lights when not in use.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs.
• Defrost freezer frequently so no more than one-half inch of frost builds up.
• Use a timer when baking to minimize opening oven.

Other sources:

• US Department of Energy book on saving energy & money at home.
• Home Energy Saver do-it-yourself energy audit.
• Home energy guides from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.