Free and Low Cost Recommendations

Replace Light Bulbs

• Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLS) and save 75% off lighting costs.

Unplug Electronics

• Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.

Save Water

• Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to 300% per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water.

Adjust Your Thermostat

• Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.

buy Energy Efficient Appliances

• Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment - they're up to 40% more efficient. Find rebates and incentives in your area using our rebates.

Adjust Your Water Heater

• Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.

Keep Cool With Ceiling Fans

• Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.

Be Smart About Lighting

• Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of oeverhead lights.

Power Down Your Computer

• Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy that bigger desktop models.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

• When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washers goes to water heating.

Load Up Your Dishwasher

• run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy water use.

Maintain Your Clothes Dryer

• Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.

Find and Seal Leaks

• Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks, and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.

• Test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible ait path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather stripping.