Home Energy
Calculators

• Analyze your home energy use and learn what changes can make a difference in your usage.
• Compare the cost of various heating systems
• Compare the cost of various cooling systems
• Estimate how much energy your appliances use
• Click Here to view the different calucators 

Air Conditioning

• Check the filter at least once a month during the warm season and clean it as needed.
• Use the fan setting at night when the air outside is cool, or open a window and leave the air conditioner off. Keep windows closed whenever the air conditioner is on.
• Use the air conditioner's timer and set it to turn on no more than 30 minutes before you expect to return home.
• The lower you set your temperature, the more it will cost. For example, a 75° setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78° setting.
• Plant hollyhocks, clematis vines or other shade-producing plants in front of east and west facing windows to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Kitchen

• When you can, cook many dishes together when using the oven. If the dishes call for separate temperature settings, just set it in the middle. Adjust cooking times rather than using the oven twice.
• Cook with lids on your pans. For example, cooking spaghetti without a lid on the pot can use three times as much energy.
• Use the smallest pan and burner needed for the job.
• If the oven self-cleans, turn it on just after use, while the oven is still hot.
• Don't peek into the oven as you cook. Every time the door is opened, a lot of heat escapes.
• Contact a qualified heating contractor if your gas burners have a yellow flame instead of blue. Yellow flames may mean the gas is not burning efficiently.
• Seek alternative cooking sources. A pressure cooker cuts cooking time by about two-thirds, and a microwave uses less than half the energy of a conventional electric oven.
• Many dishwashers have energy-saving wash cycles that use less water. Using these cycles can save $5-15 per year.
• Avoid running small loads in your dishwasher.
• A no-heat air dry feature also can save energy by as much as 15 to 50 percent. If you have an older dishwasher, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse cycle is complete and open the door. This allows air drying.
• Some dishwashers have heaters to boost water temperature up to 140° or 145°F. However, most dishwashers function well at the 120°F setting. If your dishwasher has a booster heater, turn down your water heater thermostat to 120°F.
• If you wash dishes by hand, fill wash and rinse basins instead of letting the water run. This uses half as much water as a dishwasher does.
• Use cold water when running your garbage disposal. Cold water congeals grease better and keeps the disposal cooler, helping the unit run more efficiently

Laundry Room

• Load washers and dryers to capacity, but don't overload. Overloading can cut down on efficiency.
• Use the water level control on clothes washers. Use less water for smaller loads.
• Use the right water temperature for washers. Washing clothes with cold water usually does not affect cleaning results and may reduce shrinkage.
• Follow detergent instructions carefully. Using too much soap makes the washing machine motor work harder.
• Remember that delicate clothes don't require as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes.
• If the dryer has an automatic cycle, use it. Over drying wastes energy and wears clothes out faster.
• Clean the dryer's lint filter after each load to help keep the machine running efficiently.

Refrigeration

• Set the temperature of your refrigerator compartment at 36° to 38°F and the freezer at 0° to 5°F. For older models, check temperatures with a thermometer.
• Make sure the fan vent is clean and keep the coils at the back of the refrigerator clear of dust. Dirty coils make the compressor work harder and use more electricity.
• Keep the refrigerator door gasket (the plastic strip surrounding the door) airtight and in good condition. If needed, you may be able to repair or reattach it with glue. If not, the manufacturer or a local hardware store can supply you with a new one.
• Keep your freezer tightly packed, adding bags of ice as needed to fill space.Defrost whenever more than one-quarter inch of frost accumulates.
• Arrange items in the refrigerator compartment to allow air to circulate freely.
• Keep liquids capped so they don't add to the humidity and make the compressor work harder.
• Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as you can. Organizing items makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
• On humid days, use the "power saver" switch, if you have one. When this switch is on, small heaters keep the outside of your refrigerator from "sweating." On other days, turn the switch off.
• Defrosting frozen food in the refrigerator helps keep the refrigerator cold.

Water Heating

• To save on both water heating and water, install a low-flow showerhead in your bathroom(s). Easily installed with a wrench or pliers, a low-flow showerhead can cut water use as much as 50 percent and still feel great.
• Also attach low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets. For a family of four, this can save up to 8,500 gallons of water a year. Aerators allow the faucet to flow stronger while actually using much less water.
• Avoid running water continuously while doing dishes, washing up, brushing teeth or shaving. Try filling up the sink and using a stopper instead.
• Wrap the hot water pipes coming out of your water heater with insulation. Wrap those pipes nearest the heater first for greatest savings.
• Set the thermostat to 120°F or less for normal use, and lower the setting whenever you will be away from home for extended periods. For every 10° you set back your water heater temperature, you cut energy use 3 to 5 percent. (Note: Some dishwashers may require a higher minimum temperature setting. Check your owner's manual.)
• Most newer water heaters are well-insulated. However, if the side of your water heater feels warm near the top, you can cut heat loss by installing a water heater insulation blanket. (First, check your owner's manual to make sure that this step won't void the manufacturer's warranty. If the warranty period has expired, this is not a problem.) Make sure to use the appropriate type blanket for your water heater, whether it's electric, gas or oil. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.