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Ten Tips to Save Energy in Honor of Energy Efficiency Day

September 30, 2022

October 5, 2022, marks the seventh annual national Energy Efficiency Day. The annual event brings awareness to the multiple benefits of energy efficiency, from saving money to healthier homes.

In recognition of Energy Efficiency Day, Efficiency Smart offers the following 10 tips to save energy and money at home during the colder months of the year.

  • Eliminate Air Leaks and Drafts — Caulk around windows and door frames, use weather stripping on exterior doors, and consider having a professional seal gaps where air can travel between the attic and your living space. This will help you save on heating costs and make you feel more comfortable during the cold winter months.
  • Consider a Smart Thermostat — A smart thermostat can automatically lower your temperature settings based on your occupancy and sleep schedule.
  • Check Temperature Settings — If your home uses a heat pump, set the thermostat at a moderate temperature and leave it there. Heat pumps are most efficient at a consistent temperature.
  • Limit the Use of Space Heaters —Electric space heaters are less efficient than central HVAC systems and only heat a small portion of a home. If you are using a space heater, make sure it is designed to heat the size of the room it’s used in, and look for one with thermostat and timer settings to save energy and prevent overheating.
  • Change Your Furnace Filter — Clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep your home warm, which will cost you more money.
  • Schedule Maintenance for Your Heating System — If it has been a few years since a technician last looked at your system, consider calling a professional to service or tune up your unit to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR® label — Available across more than 70 product categories, the ENERGY STAR label makes it easy to find products that have been independently certified to use less energy. Save even more with Efficiency Smart’s rebates on eligible products.
  • Take Advantage of the Sun — Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close the curtains at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  • Light Your Home Efficiently — Replacing your most frequently used lightbulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs can save you $15 annually per lightbulb.
  • Reduce Hot Water Use —Water heating typically accounts for the largest portion of a home’s utility costs after heating and cooling. Installing low-flow showerheads and washing your clothes in cold water can help you reduce your hot water use.

Efficiency Smart offers business and residential energy efficiency services to customers of participating municipal electric systems. More information about the services and financial incentives available through Efficiency Smart can be found at www.efficiencysmart.org or by calling 877-889-3777.

To learn more about Energy Efficiency Day, visit www.energyefficiencyday.org