This past winter, a group of SMECO households were chosen to participate in the My Energy Target Challenge. Below are some tips from the participants on how they saved energy throughout the challenge.
Winter Tips |
Refresh caulking around windows and doors every season. |
Lower smart thermostat at bedtime. |
Unplug small appliances such as toasters or coffee pots. |
Air-dry clothes. |
Install heavy curtains to help keep the heat in highly occupied rooms. |
Remind family that we were working towards our energy reduction goal. |
Add more attic insulation. |
Use cold water to wash clothes. |
Install lighting timers to turn off lamps at regularly scheduled times. |
Eliminate extra refrigerator from the garage. |
Replace all lights with LEDs, installed a smart thermostat, and fixed leaky drafts. |
Hang-dry thick clothing fabric like sweaters and jeans to avoid the extra time needed in the dryer. |
Power down desktop at night. |
Install solar-powered lights on the outside of garage and barn |
Use an air fryer and other smaller appliances rather than frequently cooking with the oven |
Keep the garage door closed while home heating was circulating |
Water heating accounts for about 20% of your home’s energy use, and the average household spends $400-$600 a year on water heating. To avoid wasting energy, keep the temperature of the water heater on the warm setting to 120°F. |
Set your computer or laptop to “sleep” or “hibernate” after 10 minutes of inactivity. |
Turn off your screen saver and opt for a “sleep” or “hibernate” mode after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. Screen savers are still using energy while you step away from your computer. |
Use caulking and weatherstripping to seal places where cold drafts enter your home, including seals around moving fixtures, like doors and windows, and cracks in stationary fixtures, like walls. |
If using the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly–approximately 1 inch–and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F. |
Close window shades at night and open the shades during the day to let in light and warmth. Install insulating, tight-fitting window shades that can be raised or lowered. |
Weatherstripping around windows can prevent cold air drafts from entering your home. |