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Energy Saving Tips
Substantial savings on heating and cooling costs can be enjoyed if you follow some simple tips. Click here to request a 101 Low-Cost/No-Cost Home Energy-Saving Measures Guide.
• Visit Touchstone Energy's Together We Save site to learn fun, interesting and easy ways to safe energy.
• Reduce your energy use and grow your energy savings with resources and tips from mnbrightideas.com.
• Replace standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
• Check to ensure your home or business is adequately insulated.
• Insulate attic, heating and air conditioning ducts, water pipes, and outside walls.
• Maintain reasonable indoor temperatures (68 degrees in the winter, 78 degrees in the summer).
• Set your water heater thermostat at 125 degrees (if you have an electric dishwasher, set it at 140 degrees) if you don't have a Marathon Water Heater. Marathon Water Heaters are designed to be set at 160 degrees and utilize a mixing value to maximize the hot water. Typically, water heaters account for about 20% of your annual electric bill.
• Close the doors of unoccupied rooms isolated from the rest of the house.
• Fix leaky faucets. Even a slow drip wastes hot water.
• Reduce hot water use; don't let hot water run when you're not using it.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR® rated appliances (rebates available from REA)
• Operate your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher with full loads.
• Check the wiring of your home electric system to make sure that it is adequate. An overworked system is inefficient and hazardous.
• Sign up for REA's Cycled Air Conditioning Program to save money and
energy!• Inspect and clean heating systems annually. If your home has central air, clean/replace air filters frequently. Get a $25 rebate when you have an air conditioner tune-up.
• Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
• Close fireplace dampers when fireplace is not in use.
• Turn off TV and lights when not in use.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs.
• Defrost freezer frequently so no more than one-half inch of frost builds up.
• Use a timer when baking to minimize opening oven.
Other sources:
Minnesota Brighter Ideas
Together We Save
ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yard Stick
Minnesota Office of Energy Security
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Home Energy Saver do-it-yourself energy audit
Energy Tax Incentives