Seasonal energy saving tips

Check for gaps

Check for gaps. Walk around the outside of your home and check for gaps around pipes, conduits, chimneys, lights, windows, and brick or cement work. Fill them with an easy-to-use spray-foam insulation or caulk. Use a high-temperature product if it will contact a hot surface, such as a flue pipe or chimney.

Clear around heat pumps

Clear space around your heat pump (or central AC). Make sure that no trees, weeds, shrubs, or other obstructions block the airflow around and under your unit. Blockages lead to higher energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Look for ENERGY STAR® labels

Look for ENERGY STAR® labels when shopping for any type of new appliance and save 10% to 50% of the energy that standard models use. That's amounts to about $450 over five years.

Check thermostat settings

Check your settings. Adjust the settings on your programmable smart thermostat each season. If you don’t have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to save 10% or more on heating and cooling costs!

Smart thermostats

Install a smart thermostat. Set it to adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away. You’ll save without needing to upgrade your HVAC system.

Enjoy the outdoors!

Go outside to save! Shut off your television, electronic devices, and appliances and enjoy the warm weather by taking a walk, reading a book outside, or chatting with a neighbor.

Open shades and blinds

Open shades and blinds during daylight hours to take advantage of natural light.

Make the switch to LEDs

Use LED bulbs in all fixtures. When shopping for LEDs look for the ENERGY STAR® label. A 60-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced by a 9-watt LED bulb that uses a fraction of the energy and rated to last more than 25,000 hours.

Maintain your system

Schedule service for your heating and air-conditioning systems. Doing this once a year helps ensure your systems operate efficiently and are ready for the season ahead.

Seal rim joist openings

Seal openings at the rim joist inside your basement. You’ll prevent heat and cold from entering or exiting, and save energy. This will also stop moisture from damaging your home.

Wash with cold water

Wash with cold water whenever possible. You'll save energy.

Clean your lint filter

Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle to maintain dryer efficiency.

Other tips

Ventilate your attic. Trapped attic heat warms living spaces and allows humidity to build up. Check that vents are open and motorized systems are working. Work with a professional to improve your ventilation if needed.
Replace worn or ripped door sweeps, including those on doors in attached garages. Sweeps block drafts from reaching inside your home.

Seasonal energy-saving tips

Spring Energy Tips