Do a little. Save a lot. Everything you do, from flipping a switch to selecting a thermostat setting, can add up to big savings for your home or business.

Water heating

• Set water heater temperature at 120°F Install water heater wrap per manufacturer’s instructions Limit showers to 5-7 minutes Install low-flow shower heads Fix leaks

Air Sealing

• Caulk around plumbing pentrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.
• Caulk wiring penetrations that lead from the crawlspace or into the attic.
• Remember to shut fireplace dampers when the fireplace is not in use.
• Weatherstrip and insulate your attic access door.
• Seal rim joist cavities in your crawlspace. Pay special attention to bay windows which can be particularly leaky.
• Make sure all windows are properly shut and locked. Remove window air- conditioning units so those windows can be closed as well. If you don’t have storm windows or air insulated windows, inexpensive storm window kits are an ideal way to keep cold air out. Look for kits that include heat shrink plastic.
• Weatherstrip exterior doors and install door sweeps.

HVAC

• Have your unit regularly tuned up for maximum efficiency.
• Change or clean HVAC filters monthly and don’t use heavily pleated filters unless your HVAC system’s return was specifically sized for higher rates of filtration.
• Don’t close interior doors and air registers when using your central heat and air. Doing so restricts indoor airflow back to the return and will result in increased outdoor air infiltration from cracks around windows and doors and worsen existing duct leaks.
• Have a heat pump? Then “set it and forget it” when setting your thermostat in the winter. We recommend a 68°F setting. If you have an electric furnace or baseboard heat, then practicing thermostat setback at night or when the home is unoccupied is recommended.
• Check ducts for air leakage especially where the boot joins the subfloor. If you live in a multisection manufactured home pay close attention to the crossover duct and make sure it is sealed with a mastic paste or tape (not traditional duct tape).

Laundry

• Opt for cold water wash. Today’s detergents are formulated for cold water wash.
• Clean your dryer’s lint filter before the start of every load and be sure to clean your dryer vent on a regular basis. A clogged vent will not only significantly increase drying time, it also creates a fire hazard.

Knowledge is power

• Make this the year you routinely log into the Tideland member portal to view both your daily and hourly kilowatt hour consumption.
• Enroll in high energy use alerts to prevent runaway energy use.