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No-Cost + Low-Cost Solutions

Easy ways to increase comfort, save money and use less energy

Photo No Cost

There are plenty of simple, affordable—and often, free—things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Take a quick look at these solutions and make changes that can help you save immediately. You may also want to print this page and keep it with your ongoing to-do list as a reminder.

If you have questions, we're happy to help. Call us at 1.866.368.7878

Low-cost solutions

  1. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
  2. Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.
  3. Clean or replace filters before and after heating season to help your furnace or heat pump work at peak efficiency.
  4. Install an ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat so it adjusts automatically.
  5. Caulk small holes and cracks around plumbing pipes, exhaust fans, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains, fireplaces and under countertops.
  6. Use pots and pans with flat bottoms.
  7. Install exterior wall switch and outlet gaskets to prevent air loss and infiltration.

No-cost solutions

  1. Unplug battery chargers for power tools, mobile phones, laptops and other devices when not in use.
  2. Turn off lights when not needed.
  3. Use a countertop convection, microwave or smaller electric appliance, instead of a full-size stove whenever possible.
  4. Turn down the thermostat to 65–68 degrees during the day and 58–60 degrees at night during cooler months. If you have a heat pump, turn the thermostat down no more than 10 degrees at night.
  5. Wash and rinse laundry with cold water. To save more energy and water, run full loads.
  6. Use the water-saver washing and energy-saver drying options on your dishwasher.
  7. Check to make sure refrigerator and freezer gaskets seal tightly.
  8. Clean lint filters after drying each load of clothes.
  9. Close fireplace and wood stove dampers when not in use, but wait until several hours after the fire is out and the ashes are cold.
  10. Recycle your old refrigerator or freezer. We'll pick it up for free and send you $50 cash now through December 31, 2010!