The week is over. Whether you have a lot to catch up on or are looking for a little relaxation time, these tips will help make your weekend more energy efficient.
1. Clean up your energy budget
While you're cleaning your house, you can make it more energy efficient. Clean behind your refrigerator. Dust buildup on coils can make the unit run less efficiently. Dust accumulation on bulbs blocks light. Wipe off bulbs to get more light for your energy dollars. Dust around vents could be a sign of leaky ducts. Hire a qualified professional to clean and inspect your HVAC system.
2. Lighten your energy load
Catching up on laundry? Look for ways to save. Run only full loads. You'll save energy and water by reducing cycles. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Clean the lint filter in your dryer before each load to improve air circulation. Consider air drying clothes if possible. It will save energy and reduce wear and tear on material.
3. Make energy savings your weekend project
There are plenty of simple energy-saving projects you can do yourself. Look for gaps around exterior doors and windows and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Insulate hot water pipes near your water heater tank. Insulation kits are available at your local home improvement retailer. Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators in your bathrooms and kitchen.
4. Give your energy bill a break
Leaving for a weekend getaway? With a few simple adjustments before you leave, you'll return to lower energy bills. Adjust the thermostat to avoid wasting energy keeping your empty house comfortable. Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to reduce standby energy loss. Turn off all lights and unplug chargers and other unused electronic devices.
If you love weekends at home, consider our Time-of-Use program. You can save money on your electric bill by using large appliances on evenings or weekends, rather than weekdays.
Upgrade for savings
- Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. You can also take advantage of advanced features, such as remote control and self-programming.
- Advanced power strips and smart plugs automatically shut off power to plugged-in devices when they're not in use.
- WaterSense labeled fixtures — such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators — use less water, reducing the energy needed to heat that water.
Don’t know where to start? A home energy assessment can identify specific areas or general systems in your home that cause drafts, discomfort, or high energy bills—or even help uncover health and safety issues.
Focus on Energy partners with trained and certified contractors who perform energy assessments, which typically range between $500 and $700. Once your assessment is complete, you’ll receive a customized report and gain access to higher rebates for recommended improvements.
Start with a free online home energy assessment to learn more.