Dry two or more loads in a row and take advantage of existing dryer heat.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent.

Set your computer to "hibernate" after 30 minutes of inactivity. Shut down at the end of each day.

Reduce cooling costs by drawing shades or blinds on sun-exposed windows or glass doors.

Home Energy Saving Tips

  • Leaving unnecessary lights on increases energy costs.
  • Turn off computers and other office equipment when they're not being used, especially overnight and weekends.
  • Heating your home to higher than 68° in the winter or cooling it below 75° in the summer costs extra.
  • Taking extra long showers runs up the water heating (and water/sewer) bills.

Insulation

  • If you have R-19 or less insulation in your attic, consider bringing it up to R-49.
  • If you have R-11 or less floor insulation, consider bringing it up to R-25.

Windows

  • Tighten and weather-strip your old window and then add storm windows.
  • Replace your single-glazed windows with new double-glazed windows.
  • "Low-e" coatings on glass can help reduce heat loss through windows.
  • In hot climates, consider adding solar screening to west-facing windows that catch a lot of heating late in the day.

Air Infiltration

  • Seal around pipe penetrations coming through walls.
  • During hot and cold weather, ensure windows are closed tightly and locked.
  • Ensure weather-stripping around doors and windows is tight.
  • When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.
  • Check the ceiling behind the cornice of built-in bookshelves for holes cut during construction.
  • Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weather-stripped.
  • Whole-house attic fans should be sealed tightly during the winter.
  • Make sure your outside dryer vent door closes when the dryer is not in use and clean away lint accumulation periodically.

Water Heater

  • Make sure your water heater is set at the lowest point. Try setting it to 120°.
  • Try washing cothes with warm water and rinsing with cold water.
  • Overfilling your washer can increase your energy use.
  • If your water heater is located in an unconditioned space, consider installing a thermal wrap around it in accordance with the tank and wrap manufacturer instructions.

Dryers

  • Don't over-dry your clothes. If 50 minutes works, don't set to 70 minutes.
  • Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
  • Periodically check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is still tightly connected and not kinked.

Refrigeration

  • Make sure refrigerator and freezer seals fit tightly when doors close.
  • Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove heat.
  • Setting your freezer below 0° uses extra energy.
  • Setting your refrigerator below 37° uses extra energy.

Heating & Air Conditioning

  • HVAC systems should be checked to verify they are moving the correct amount of air. An HVAC technician can tell you if it is.
  • Heat pump and air conditioning systems should be checked annually to verify they are properly charged, strictly in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
  • Inside and outside coils should be kept clean and free of debris.
  • Gas furnaces should be tuned for maximum combustion efficiency.
  • Return filters should be changed monthly.
  • Have an HVAC technician check carefully for duct leaks. Leaks that are found should be sealed with fiberglass mesh and mastic sealant.

Lighting

  • A 100-watt lamp costs roughly a penny an hour to operate.
  • Consider replacing incandescent lighting with energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps. They use about one quarter of the wattage, last much longer and give off less heat.

Energy Efficiency Resources

Touchstone Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Star

Alliance to Save Energy

NC State Energy Office