All the ways to save electricity and money at home.
Energy Efficiency is key to lowering utility bills and reducing our carbon footprint. This is an exhaustive list of all the smart ways you can reduce your electricity consumption when it is needed the most.
Why Energy Saving Matters: Stopping "Peaker" Plants
When electricity demand is highest—typically on hot summer afternoons—utilities fire up "peaker" power plants. These are often older, less efficient, and more polluting facilities that only run during peak demand periods.
By reducing your energy use during peak times, you help:
- Prevent the activation of dirty peaker plants
- Reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Keep electricity costs lower for everyone
- Support a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid
Living Room
Your living room is often the heart of your home's entertainment and relaxation. Here's how to make it more energy-efficient without sacrificing comfort.
Entertainment Systems
- Enable power-saving mode on TVs and gaming consoles
- Use smart power strips to eliminate phantom loads
- Turn off devices completely when not in use
- Choose ENERGY STAR certified electronics
Lighting & Climate
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights
- Use natural light during the day
- Close curtains/blinds during hot summer days
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air efficiently
Kitchen
The kitchen contains many of your home's biggest energy users. Smart cooking and appliance habits can lead to significant savings.
Cooking Appliances
- Match pot size to burner size for maximum efficiency
- Use microwave or toaster oven for small portions
- Keep oven door closed while cooking
- Use lids on pots to cook food faster
- Thaw frozen food naturally before cooking
Refrigerator & Dishwasher
- Set refrigerator to 37-40°F and freezer to 0-5°F
- Keep refrigerator coils clean and check door seals
- Run dishwasher only with full loads
- Use air-dry setting instead of heated dry
- Scrape (don't rinse) dishes before loading
Laundry Room
Washing and drying clothes can be major energy consumers. Simple changes to your laundry routine can cut energy use significantly.
Washing Machine
- Wash clothes in cold water when possible (90% of energy goes to heating)
- Run full loads but don't overpack the machine
- Use high-efficiency detergent for better cleaning
- Clean lint filter after every load for better efficiency
Dryer & Alternatives
- Air dry clothes when weather permits (saves 100% of dryer energy)
- Clean dryer lint filter before every load
- Dry similar fabrics together for even drying
- Use moisture sensor settings instead of timed drying
- Remove clothes promptly to reduce wrinkles and save ironing energy
Bedroom
Create a comfortable, energy-efficient sleeping environment while reducing overnight energy consumption.
Climate Control
- Set thermostat higher in summer (78°F) and lower in winter (68°F)
- Use programmable thermostat to automatically adjust overnight
- Use breathable bedding materials for summer comfort
- Keep bedroom doors closed to isolate temperature zones
Electronics & Lighting
- Unplug phone chargers when not in use
- Use task lighting instead of overhead lights when possible
- Enable sleep mode on computers and monitors
- Use blackout curtains to maintain room temperature
Bathroom
Water heating is one of your home's largest energy expenses. Efficient bathroom habits can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Water Heating
- Take shorter showers (5 minutes vs 10 can save 25 gallons)
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Fix leaky faucets promptly (a drip can waste 3,000 gallons/year)
- Set water heater to 120°F maximum
Ventilation & Lighting
- Use exhaust fan only while showering and for 15 minutes after
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights
- Use natural light during daytime hours
- Install motion sensor lights for automatic shut-off
Home Office
With more people working from home, office equipment can significantly impact your energy bill. Optimize your workspace for efficiency and comfort.
Computer Equipment
- Enable power management settings on computers and monitors
- Turn off monitors when stepping away for 20+ minutes
- Use laptops instead of desktop computers when possible
- Unplug printers, scanners when not in regular use
Workspace Comfort
- Position desk near windows for natural light
- Use task lighting instead of overhead lights
- Close office door to isolate heating/cooling needs
- Use a small space heater or fan instead of adjusting whole-house temperature
Whole House Energy Strategies
These comprehensive approaches can dramatically reduce your overall energy consumption and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Smart Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can save 10-15% on heating and cooling costs by automatically adjusting temperature when you're away or sleeping.
- • Program 7-day schedules
- • Remote control via smartphone
- • Learning algorithms for optimization
- • Energy usage reports
Air Sealing & Insulation
Proper insulation and sealing air leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15-30%. Focus on attics, basements, and around windows and doors.
- • Weatherstrip doors and windows
- • Caulk gaps and cracks
- • Insulate attics and basements
- • Seal ductwork leaks
Energy-Efficient Appliances
ENERGY STAR certified appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models. Prioritize replacing the oldest, most-used appliances first.
- • ENERGY STAR certification
- • Right-sized for your needs
- • Advanced efficiency features
- • Utility rebates available
Window Treatments
Strategic use of blinds, curtains, and window films can reduce cooling costs by up to 20% and improve comfort without sacrificing natural light.
- • Close south-facing windows in summer
- • Use thermal curtains in winter
- • Install reflective window film
- • Strategic landscaping for shade
Water Heater Efficiency
Water heating accounts for 18% of your energy bill. Simple upgrades and maintenance can reduce these costs significantly.
- • Insulate water heater tank and pipes
- • Install low-flow fixtures
- • Regular maintenance and flushing
- • Consider tankless or hybrid models
Peak Demand Reduction
Reducing energy use during peak hours (typically 2-8 PM in summer) helps prevent expensive and polluting peaker plants from running.
- • Pre-cool home before peak hours
- • Delay major appliance use
- • Use timers for pool pumps
- • Participate in demand response programs
Seasonal Energy Saving Tips
Adapt your energy saving strategies throughout the year to maximize efficiency during different weather conditions and usage patterns.
Summer (Peak Season)
Cooling Strategies
- • Set thermostat to 78°F or higher when home
- • Use ceiling fans to feel 4°F cooler
- • Close blinds during the day to block sun
- • Pre-cool your home before peak hours (2-8 PM)
- • Use outdoor grilling instead of indoor cooking
Peak Hour Actions
- • Avoid using dishwasher, dryer, oven 2-8 PM
- • Raise AC temperature 2-4 degrees during events
- • Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
- • Delay pool pump operation until evening
Winter
Heating Efficiency
- • Set thermostat to 68°F or lower when home
- • Lower temperature by 7-10°F when sleeping
- • Open south-facing curtains during sunny days
- • Ensure heating vents aren't blocked by furniture
- • Use draft stoppers under doors
Water Heating
- • Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas
- • Take shorter showers to reduce heating demand
- • Wash clothes in cold water
- • Fix leaky faucets to prevent energy waste
Get Paid for Saving Energy
Take your energy savings to the next level by participating in demand response programs. Earn money while helping prevent dirty peaker plants from running.
Ready to Start Saving?
Implement these energy-saving strategies and join a demand response program to maximize your savings while supporting a cleaner energy grid.
Start earning money for the energy you're already saving