Energy Tips

Save at home, at work, and on the road.

When you use energy more efficiently, you're not just saving money. You're making an important difference in your community, our state, and the welfare of our planet.

Joining SMECO CoolSentry allows you to do all three. Following are additional actions you could take to save even more energy – around the house, at the office, or on the go.

Windows/Exterior

1. During hot months keep window coverings closed. In winter, let the sun in.
2. In some areas homeowners may qualify for tax breaks for adding insulation or installing energy efficient windows and doors. Check with your utility company or state energy office.
3. Storm windows can reduce the heat lost by single-panel windows by 20-50 percent during the winter. Temporarily, you can always install plastic sheeting on the outside.
4. Seal and weather strip your windows and doors to ensure that you're not wasting energy on heat or air conditioning that escapes through leaks to the outdoors.
5. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall give protection from the summer sun and let light in during the winter.
6. Your central air conditioning unit should be in the shade. On the north side of your house plant evergreen trees to stop the wind in the winter.

Bedroom

1. In summer use fans whenever possible instead of AC or raise the thermostat temperature a few degrees and use fans to make up the difference. Fans cost less to use than AC.
2. Replace your 5 most used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save $60 each year in energy costs. These light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last up to ten times longer. Save about $2.50 per year per bulb.
3. Use dimmers, timers, and motion sensors on indoor and outdoor lighting. Of course, you should be sure to turn lights off when not in use.
4. Only heat or cool rooms you’re using. Close vents and doors of unused rooms.
5. In winter, turn the thermostat down at night and use an electric blanket to keep warm. They use about as much energy as a light bulb and you can save up to 10% on your heating bills.

 

* Department of Energy