Ways to save energy and money while helping reduce demand

 

How to save $ during extreme heat:

  • Raise your thermostat—every degree helps save energy.
  • Use smaller appliances like a microwave or air fryer to avoid heating up your kitchen.
  • Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to block sunlight.
  • Use ceiling or box fans to stay cool without lowering the thermostat.
  • Try to avoid running large appliances from 3–6 PM, when energy use is at its highest. #BeatThePeak

How to save $ during low temperatures:

  • Mind the thermostat. If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
  • Get cozy. Add layers of clothing for additional warmth, and snuggle up under your favorite heavyweight blanket.
  • Don’t block the heat. If your air vents or heating elements (like radiators) are blocked by furniture or rugs, your home isn’t being adequately heated.
  • Take advantage of sunlight. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to block the chilly night air.
  • Block air leaks. Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weather stripping to improve indoor comfort and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your home.
  • Try to avoid running large appliances from 6-9 AM, when energy use is at its highest. #BeatThePeak

Save $ year-round:

1. Focus on lighting. Replace conventional incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. LEDs not only provide the high-quality light you need, but they are at least 75% more efficient and last much longer.

2. Adjust the thermostat. Raise or lower temperatures (depending on the season) at night and when you're away from home.

3. Plug smarter. Many electronic devices continue to use power when they're turned off or not in use. Unplug battery chargers and any other devices when it's convenient. Plug devices into an advanced power strip or smart plug. They automatically shut off devices when they're not in use.

4. Use window treatments. Open window treatments, such as shades and curtains, on sunny days to let in the warmth of the sun. Close them at night to retain heat, reducing space heating costs and making your evenings more comfortable.

5. Seal air leaks. Do you have old, broken caulk around the outside of your windows or gaps around exterior doors? Seal those leaks by caulking windows and placing weatherstripping around the inside of door frames.

Looking to save more?

Hire a qualified professional to perform an energy audit or assessment of your home. Your auditor will find areas in your home where you're wasting energy and suggest measures you can take to save money and improve comfort.

Want a heads-up when demand is high? You can sign up for peak alerts at: https://energysmartsc.org/peakalert/

For more ways to save energy and money year-round, visit: https://www.ecsc.org/energy-tips

Small changes can make a big difference.