Saving Tips

Click on one of the items below to learn simple tips to save energy and money ...

HVAC Maintenance

Water Leaks

Air Filters

Be sure to check your central air conditioning/ heating system's filters once a month, and clean or replace them as needed.

Cold Weather Thermostat

Keep your thermostat setting as low as comfortable. For every degree you lower the temperature, you'll save 3 - 5%.

If you have a programmable thermostat, lower the setting to 60 degrees while you're away at work. If you have a heat pump, be sure to talk with a professional about your system to ensure it can be programmed.

Keep the fan setting on AUTO.

Dishwasher

Don't pre-rinse dirty dishes. Instead, load scraped dishes directly into the dishwasher.

Only run the dishwasher when it's full.

Let dishes air dry, or towel dry them.

Leaky Toilet

A leaky toilet is one of the main causes of high water bills. You may have a leak and not hear it. Here's how to check:

Drop a dye tablet, food coloring or colored drink powder mix into the tank. Wait 1 - 2 hours without flushing the toilet) to see if the color travels to the bowl.

If you see color in the bowl, call a plumber to repair your toilet, and you'll see your water bill go down.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Make sure your temperatures are set correctly for your fridge and freezer. Here's what we recommend:

Refrigerator should be set at 35 - 38 degrees.
Freezers in fridge/freezer combos should be set at 5 degrees.
Set stand alone freezers at 0 degrees.

Keep the seal air tight on the doors so that cold air can't escape. Here's an easy way to test your seal:

Place a dollar bill between the seal and the door.
Close the door.
Give the dollar a gentle tug. If there is some resistance, you're seals are in good shape.

Warm Weather Thermostat

You'll save the most on cooling your home by keeping your thermostat on the highest setting while still being comfortable. The Department of Energy suggests between 76 - 78 degrees.

Be sure to keep your fan setting on AUTO.

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the setting to a higher temperature while you're away from home.

Washer/Dryer

We recommend you use cold water. You won't have to pay to heat the water, and your clothes will be just as clean.

Use the smallest load size you can for the amount of clothes you're washing.

Use the automatic functions on your dryer, instead of timed drying. The moisture sensor knows when your clothes are dry and will cut off before the timed cycle will.

Keep an eye on your lint trap and be sure to clean it out.

Be sure to check the vent trap on the side of your home as well. Keeping it clean can reduce your drying time.

Water Heater

Did you know that 18-20% of your overall utility cost comes from heating hot water? It's true!

To save on water heating, be sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees.

Test your water temperature by simply putting your hand under the running hot water. If you can stand it, you're temperature is right. If it's too hot to keep your hand under the water, you need to lower the temperature on your water heater.

Click on one of the items below to learn simple tips to save energy and money ...

HVAC Maintenance

Water Leaks

Air Filters

Be sure to check your central air conditioning/ heating system's filters once a month, and clean or replace them as needed.

Cold Weather Thermostat

Keep your thermostat setting as low as comfortable. For every degree you lower the temperature, you'll save 3 - 5%.

If you have a programmable thermostat, lower the setting to 60 degrees while you're away at work. If you have a heat pump, be sure to talk with a professional about your system to ensure it can be programmed.

Keep the fan setting on AUTO.

Dishwasher

Don't pre-rinse dirty dishes. Instead, load scraped dishes directly into the dishwasher.

Only run the dishwasher when it's full.

Let dishes air dry, or towel dry them.

Leaky Toilet

A leaky toilet is one of the main causes of high water bills. You may have a leak and not hear it. Here's how to check:

Drop a dye tablet, food coloring or colored drink powder mix into the tank. Wait 1 - 2 hours without flushing the toilet) to see if the color travels to the bowl.

If you see color in the bowl, call a plumber to repair your toilet, and you'll see your water bill go down.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Make sure your temperatures are set correctly for your fridge and freezer. Here's what we recommend:

Refrigerator should be set at 35 - 38 degrees.

Freezers in fridge/freezer combos should be set at 5 degrees.

Set stand alone freezers at 0 degrees.

Keep the seal air tight on the doors so that cold air can't escape. Here's an easy way to test your seal:

Place a dollar bill between the seal and the door.

Close the door.

Give the dollar a gentle tug. If there is some resistance, you're seals are in good shape.

Warm Weather Thermostat

You'll save the most on cooling your home by keeping your thermostat on the highest setting while still being comfortable. The Department of Energy suggests between 76 - 78 degrees.

Be sure to keep your fan setting on AUTO.

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the setting to a higher temperature while you're away from home.

Washer/Dryer

We recommend you use cold water. You won't have to pay to heat the water, and your clothes will be just as clean.

Use the smallest load size you can for the amount of clothes you're washing.

Use the automatic functions on your dryer, instead of timed drying. The moisture sensor knows when your clothes are dry and will cut off before the timed cycle will.

Keep an eye on your lint trap and be sure to clean it out.

Be sure to check the vent trap on the side of your home as well. Keeping it clean can reduce your drying time.

Water Heater

Did you know that 18-20% of your overall utility cost comes from heating hot water? It's true!

To save on water heating, be sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees.

Test your water temperature by simply putting your hand under the running hot water. If you can stand it, you're temperature is right. If it's too hot to keep your hand under the water, you need to lower the temperature on your water heater.