For Consumers

1. Summer settings, please turn air conditioning thermostats up to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away.
2. Winter settings, please turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. (For each 1 degree, you'll save up to 5% on your heating/cooling costs.)
3. Turn off non-essential lights and appliances.
4. Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens during peak demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5. Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat gained or lost through windows.
6. Buy Energy Star appliances, products and lights.

For Business

1. Summer settings, please turn thermostats up to 78 degrees when you are there and 85 degrees or off when you are away.
2. Winter settings, please turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. (For each 1 degree, you'll save up to 5% on your heating/cooling costs.)
3. Turn off all unnecessary lights, especially in unused offices and conference rooms and turn down remaining lighting levels where possible.
4. Set computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other business equipment to their energy saving feature, and turn them off at the end of the day.
5. Minimize energy usage during peak demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
6. Buy Energy Star appliances, products, and lights.

INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

1. Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy saving tools and equipment.
2. Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Save: 1-2%)
3. Plug your home's leaks. Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers. (Save: up to 2%)
4. Choose Energy Star® products
   1. Buy Energy Star® certified table lamps and light fixtures, and replace your incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with Energy Star® compact fluorescent bulbs. For example, install compact fluorescent bulbs in your porch light if you leave it on overnight. (Savings: for each bulb you'll save 0.2% for each hour the bulb operates on a typical day. Therefore, replacing an incandescent bulb that burns 10 hours per day will save 2%)
   2. Buy Energy Star® certified torcheres. (Save: up to 1% for each hour/day that it's on)
   3. Install an Energy Star® programmable thermostat. (Save: 1-3%)

GOOD ENERGY SAVING INVESTMENTS

Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases.

1. Install a whole house fan. A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. (Save: up to 5%)
2. Install window shading.
3. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home. (Save: 5%)
4. Invest in a new air conditioner unit. If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an Energy Star® air conditioner. (Save: up to 10%)
5. Seal your ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for 25% of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. Note: duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing. (Save: 10 -20%)
6. Replace your refrigerator with an Energy Star® model. Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design. (Save: 10%)
7. Increase attic insulation. If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30. (Save: 10%)
8. Install Energy Star® windows If your windows are due for replacement, Energy Star® windows can make your house more comfortable year-round. (Save: up to 10%)