Energy Target Tips

Seasonal Tips

  • =   High impact!
Control temperature and comfort
  • Replace insulation in the attic to trap heat. 
Set thermostat schedules based on being home, away, and sleeping
  • If your home allows, consider using wood as a heating source, for instance, through a wood-burning stove.
Keep the garage doors closed to conserve heat in the home.  
Control temperature and comfort
Check thermostat settings and paying attention to how much the A/C is used
  • Set thermostat schedules based on being home, away, and sleeping
Close curtains and blinds during the hottest times of the day – especially for windows which receive direct sunlight
Grill outside more often instead of using the oven to reduce indoor temperatures
  • Raise the temperature on the A/C and turn on ceiling fans while in the house
Make simple changes to improve equipment performance
  • Change ceiling fan direction in the winter to be clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room
Ensure dishwasher and laundry loads are full before turning them on
Opt for energy-efficient LED holiday lights and set them on a timer for a few hours in the evening. 
  • Replace or install weather strips around windows. 
Turn off the drying cycle on the dishwasher settings or manually stopping the dishwasher after the rinse cycle and opening the door to let dishes air dry
Clean the dryer vents to lessen the drying time for clothes.  
Make simple changes to improve equipment performance
  • Change HVAC air filters regularly, approximately every 3 months or as recommended for the specific HVAC system
Ensure dishwasher and laundry loads are full before turning them on
  • Keep all air vents open to ensure the best performance of the HVAC system
  • Schedule the pool pump to turn off at night
Turn off the drying cycle on the dishwasher settings or manually stopping the dishwasher after the rinse cycle and opening the door to let dishes air dry
Hang clothes outside to dry instead of using the clothes dryer
Combat energy vampires
Unplug appliances and TVs when not in use or plug them into a smart power strip
Install outdoor solar lights which turn on/off using a sensor
Set computers or laptops to “sleep” or “hibernate” after 10 minutes of inactivity
Turn off the home office computer at the end of the workday
  • Turn off electricity in structures outside the home, such as garages and barns, when not in use. 
Combat energy vampires
  • Unplug appliances and TVs when not in use or plug them into a smart power strip
Install outdoor solar lights which turn on/off using a sensor
Set computers or laptops to “sleep” or “hibernate” after 10 minutes of inactivity
Turn off the home office computer at the end of the workday
Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room
Invest in energy-efficient upgrades
  • Upgrade your HVAC system to more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment
  • Use energy-saving kitchen appliances like air fryers, pressure cookers, and slow cookers
Utilize Wi-Fi timers to turn off the Wi-Fi when not in use 
Take advantage of SMECO rebates to buy energy-efficient products for the home
Invest in energy-efficient upgrades
  • Upgrade your HVAC system to more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment
  • Replace your incandescent and halogen light bulbs with LEDs
Install outdoor solar lights which turn on/off using a sensor
Take advantage of SMECO rebates to buy energy-efficient products for the home
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