Energy Conservation Tips

Ward off Winter Woes!

Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees to save on heating costs.

Dress properly by wearing warmer clothing.
Replace your return air filter at least once a month. Households with pets that shed may need to replace more often.
Have your heater or furnace serviced to insure that it is operating properly.
Check weather-stripping and thresholds on doors and windows and replace or repair when necessary.
Caulk around plumbing and wires holes from the attic, and around socket and switch outlets, vent-a-hoods, recessed light fixtures, washer/dryer and bath vents to reduce air infiltration.
Check your central unit's duct system for leaks and repair with mastic or duct tape.
Check the R-value of your attic insulation and consider installing additional insulation where needed. Attic insulation levels of R-30 (around 10 inches) are recommended.
Open blinds and shades during sunny days to take advantage of the sun's natural heat. Close them on overcast days to hold in heat.
Set your water heater's temperature at 120 degrees. (Electric water heaters require that both elements be reset - unplug first!)
Fix leaky faucets and toilets. A hot water leak can waste both energy and water.
Insulate water heater feeder pipes with pipe insulation.
Never use an oven to heat your home.
Planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the northern and western sides of your home provide a natural winter block.

SUMMER SAVINGS SOLUTIONS

Raise your thermostat from 72 to 78 degrees to save as much as 18% on cooling.
Replace your return air filter at least once a month.
Wear lighter clothing and use fans to help circulate air for greater comfort.
Use lower wattage and compact fluorescent bulbs and turn off lights when not in use.
Do heat producing tasks, (cooking, laundry, dishwashing) in early morning or late evening.
Close blinds and shades to reduce heat gain in windows that receive direct sunlight.
Open windows and use fans instead of air conditioning on cooler days.
Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture from bath, kitchen and laundry areas.
Set your water heater's temperature at 120 degrees. (Electric water heaters require that both elements be reset - unplug first!)
Use your microwave rather than your oven whenever possible.
Check weather-stripping on doors and windows and replace or repair when necessary.
Wash and dry full loads of clothing and clean lint filters after each use.

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD WITH ENLIGHTENED LIGHTING!
Home and office lighting accounts for anywhere between 20% to 50% of electrical consumption. Making use of LED can reduce the consumption compared to the load of incandescents by 75%. LED can also help reduce unwanted heat gain during hot summer months yet still provide equivalent lighting.

Advantages of LED lighting:

A 9-watt LED light produces as much light as a standard 100-watt incandescent.
You can burn ten 9-watt LED lights for the same cost as burning one 100 watt incandescent.
LED lights last between 4 to 7 years in normal household use
LED lights are available for both indoor and outdoor use.
LED lights are available in numerous styles including three-ways, floods, dimmables and bug lights.

Back to Top

City of College Station

Energy Conservation Tips