Energy Saving Tips

Replace your light bulbs

• Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save you up to 75% on lighting costs.  This alone may save 5-10% of your electric bill.
• Instant-on, and choices of coloration and styles are widely available now.

Unplug your unused electronics

• Unplug any unused electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Together, these small items can use as much power as a refrigerator.  Collecting several on a power strip with a switch may make this more frequently and easily done.

Save water

• Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water.

Adjust your thermostat

• Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.

Buy energy efficient appliances

• Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment – they’re up to 40% more efficient.  Contact CCSE for the latest rebates and incentives.  Older refrigerators and air conditioners are usually the heaviest users of electric power, and are very cost effective to replace.

Adjust your water heater

• Turn your water heater down to 120° or the “Normal” setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.

Keep cool with ceiling fans

• Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.  Attic fans can lower attic temperatures by 20-30 degrees, lowering air conditioning costs.  Be sure to turn these off each winter.

Be smart about lighting

• Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.  Timers on certain lights and appliances can make it automatic to save power.  CFL’s are not suited for spots with frequent short on/off cycles due to reduced life.

Wash clothes in cold water

• When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.  Newer, high speed horizontal loading washers spin much more water out of clothing, saving water and much energy in drying.

Fill up your dishwasher

• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.  Also, use air dry instead of heated dry.  Electric heat is almost always more expensive than gas heat.  Solar heat is the least expensive of all, whenever possible..

Maintain your appliances

• Coils on refrigerators and air conditioners can become coated by lint and become much less efficient.  Air filters in ducting should be changed yearly.

• Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.

Find and seal leaks

• Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.  Insulating maximally is usually the most cost effective step of all.
• Test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather stripping.