Energy Efficiency Tips

• Install a programmable thermostat to help automatically regulate your home temperature for comfort control and energy savings.

• Open your drapes and shades during the day, allowing the sun to warm your house and close them at night to limit the amount of heat that escapes.

• Close off air and heat vents in unused rooms.

• Clean or replace furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.  A simple clean or change can save up to 2% on your heating costs.

• Install wall and attic insulation and weather-stripping or caulk to leaky doors and windows.

• Close your fireplace damper tightly when not in use.

• About 15% of your water bill is attributed to heating water.  Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120 degrees unless your dishwasher requires a higher setting.

• Install a water heater blanket, making sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered on a gas water heater.  Insulate water pipes leading from the hot water heater.

• Cook efficiently, using the correct size pots and pans and preheating the oven only as needed.

• Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators.  They can save 5+ gallons of water / day in addition to the energy required to heat this water.

• Take shorter showers.

• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer.

• When replacing appliances such as clothes washers, dishwashers and water heaters, etc., look for energy efficient models with the ENERGY STAR® label and higher (EF) ratings.

For more information, contact PACE Energy Savings Project at (800) 716-2218.  

Sources: Southern California Gas Company and State of California, Community Services and Development.