Home efficiency tips

• Monitor your water usage in My Account and look for overuse or possible leaks.
  
  
• Limit showers to five minutes.
  
  
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
  
  
• Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of handwashing dishes.
  
  
• Avoid flushing the toilet to dispose of items that can be thrown in the trash instead.
  
  
• Keep a pitcher of tap water in the fridge to avoid running the faucet.
  
  
• When you do laundry, adjust the amount of clothes in your load so that it matches the amount of water you use.
  
  
• Watch for water leaks and quickly repair them. Buying a new washer or plumber’s tape can save a lot of money in the long run.
  
  
• Replace old toilets, faucets and showerheads with WaterSense® labeled options. For example, a WaterSense®-certified shower head can save 3,000 gallons of water annually.

• In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher and 85 degrees or higher when you leave home for more than four hours.
  
  
• During winter months, set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when home and 60 degrees when away or sleeping.
  
  
• Change your heating and cooling system’s filter every 30 days and schedule a qualified contractor to perform an annual check-up. 
  
  
• Portable and ceiling fans are an efficient alternative to air conditioning. 
  
  
• Avoid using energy-hogging portable electric heaters.
  
  
• Using blinds or curtains during the day will keep your home cooler, especially where direct sunlight comes in.

On average, lighting your home accounts for 10 to 15% of your energy bill. Follow the tips below to save.

• Turning off lights that are not in use is the cheapest and most effective way to save.
  
  
• Replace your five most used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR-certified models to save about $70 annually on energy costs.
  
  
• Replace older light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified LEDs. These bulbs last up to 10 times longer and use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
  
  
• Use light timers to manage energy efficiently and install motion-sensor lights for outdoor areas.

Weatherizing your home is a cheap way to save energy.

Weather stripping

• Put weather stripping on doors and windows to stop air loss.
• V-weather stripping is made of metal or vinyl and comes with adhesive. It fills the gap between the door and its frame, or a window sash and frame.
• Cut a V-strip to the right length and stick it on the frame of a window or door. The flexible tape helps fill cracks of all sizes. 

Caulking

• Look for cracks and holes around doors, window frames, walls, and vents. Also check for gaps around sinks, outdoor faucets, cable TV, phone lines, and where gas pipes or electrical lines enter the house.
• Caulk the outside of your home where siding or trim meets masonry or siding. This is usually at the corners or walls, and where the siding overlaps the foundation.
• Silicone caulk works for most applications. It sticks to any surface, remains flexible, does not shrink and lasts 12 to 30 years.
• Acrylic latex and butyl rubber caulks also work well.

Outlet & switch plate gaskets

• Gaskets are the same shape as the plastic outlet or switch plate cover but are made of white, flexible, thin foam.
• They seal air leaks that enter through electrical outlets and wall switches.

Insulation

• Check to make sure your attic’s insulation is rated at least R30. 
• Exterior walls in your home should be insulated to R11. 
• Depending on your home’s age, construction, and location, consider insulating basement walls, crawl spaces, pipes, and ducts in unheated areas.
• Depending on your homes age, it may be time to replace your insulation. We offer an insulation rebate to help you with the costs.

Phantom load is the energy used by electronics and appliances when they’re turned off or in standby mode.

Common appliances that cause phantom load are:

• Televisions 
• DVRs & DVD players 
• Game consoles
• Computers, monitors & printers
• Microwaves 
• Washers & dryers 
• Coffeemakers & electric kettles 
• Phone & tablet chargers

Follow these tips to keep phantom loads from haunting you any longer:

• When possible, unplug devices that are not in use
  
  
• Use a power strip to turn off multiple appliances with one switch.
  
  
• If you need to leave your computer on, turn off the monitor and printer. Screensavers do not save any energy.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR® mark when buying a new appliance. ENERGY STAR® models use 10 to 50% less energy. View our rebates first and find a qualifying model.
  
  
• Visit a Pikes Peak Library District location to check out a “Kill A Watt'' meter for free. These meters measure electricity use from appliances and electronics, and can show the cost of using them.

• Vacuum under and behind your freezer and refrigerator to keep air moving. 
  
  
• When possible, unplug small appliances when not in use.
  
  
• Run dishwashers only when they are full and let dishes air dry. 
  
  
• Wash your clothes using a cold wash cycle.
  
  
• Hang dry your clothes whenever possible.
  
  
• Set your water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees or less.