October is Energy Awareness Month, and Energy Smart is here to help you take control of your energy use and lower your utility bills. Small changes at home can lead to big savings—and many of them are easier than you think. Here are 10 simple, effective tips to help you save energy and money at home.
- Lower your water heater temperature.
Set your water heater to 120°F. Every 10°F reduction can save 3–5% on water-heating costs without changing comfort. - Seal air leaks.
Use weather stripping for doors and windows and apply caulk or foam sealants to cracks and gaps, which can help you save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. Energy Smart has offers for home air sealing; find out if you’re eligible for free or discounted services, too. - Change air filters regularly.
Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder. Replace them several times a year to improve efficiency and extend the life of your system. - Use ceiling fans strategically.
Fans cool people, not rooms—so turn them off when you leave. When you’re home, raise your thermostat by 2 degrees and use a fan to cut A/C costs by up to 14%. - Unblock vents.
Make sure furniture, rugs and curtains aren’t obstructing air supply or return vents. Clear airflow helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. - Wash with cold water.
Switch to cold water rinse cycles in your washing machine. Heated water can account for up to 90% of a washer’s energy use—and many detergents work best in cold water. - Dry full loads.
Run your dryer with full loads and extend the washer’s spin cycle to reduce drying time. These steps save energy and help your clothes last longer. - Clean the dryer vent.
After each load, clean the lint trap to improve drying efficiency, reduce fire risk and help clothes dry faster. - Take shorter showers.
Cutting just 1 minute off a 5-minute shower can save 20% of the energy used for heating water. - Schedule a FREE home energy assessment.
Energy Smart is here to make it easy for you to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs at home. Take advantage of the free home energy assessment, and an energy advisor will help you get started with free and low-cost ways to save. Call 504-229-6868 or schedule online.
