Energy Saving Tips

• Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher to balance comfort and savings.
• Change furnace and A/C filters regularly. A clean filter can reduce energy use by up to 15%.
• Schedule maintenance to keep your HVAC system working efficiently, and make sure air registers are open and unobstructed.
• Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air — they can make a room feel up to 10°F cooler, but remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when leaving.
• Minimize oven use on hot days. Grill outdoors, dine out, or use your microwave instead.
• Install a Wi-Fi thermostat to save up to 10% on summer cooling costs and qualify for a $50 rebate.

Cooling Units

• Choose the right-sized unit for your space — too large or too small reduces efficiency.
• Seal gaps around window units to prevent cool air loss.
• Use ENERGY STAR®-certified models for better performance and energy savings.
• Turn off window units when rooms aren’t in use.
• Maintain your outdoor compressor. Keep it clear of leaves and debris and ensure 2–3 feet of space around it for airflow.

Appliances and lights

• Run large appliances (washers, dryers, dishwashers) after 10 p.m. when demand is lower, and only with full loads.
• Maintain appliances for peak performance by cleaning refrigerator coils.
• Switch to LED bulbs that use less energy and produce less heat.
• Unplug unused devices like chargers and electronics to eliminate “phantom power” draw.
• Turn off lights and TVs in unoccupied rooms.

Hot Water Heaters

• Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F and your refrigerator to 38°F for efficiency and safety.
• Insulate hot water pipes and wrap your water heater if it’s in a cool space.
• Install low-flow showerheads and aerators. Hot water can account for up to 40% of household energy use.

Keep the Heat Out

• Use awnings or heavy window coverings to reduce solar heat gain, up to 65% on south-facing windows.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing openings to keep cool air in.
• Add attic ventilation and insulation to prevent heat buildup.
• Plant shade trees or add eaves over windows. West- and east-facing windows benefit most from shading.

• Keep your thermostat around 68°F during the day in winter.
• If that feels cool, layer up with a sweater or blanket instead of turning up the heat.
• Lower the temperature at night or when you’re away to save even more.
• If you tend to forget, try a programmable thermostat that can save up to $150 a year when set correctly. Wi-Fi models make adjustments easy from your phone, but always check with your landlord before installing one.

Use Zone Heating Wisely

• If you have electric baseboard heaters, adjust the thermostat in each room and heat only the spaces you use most.
• Portable electric space heaters can also be effective for zone heating. Use them safely and turn down the main thermostat to avoid higher bills.
• If your heating system is outdated, ask your landlord about a mini-split system. It provides efficient heating and cooling without major ductwork.

Seal Up Drafts

• Fill small gaps around windows, doors, and pipes with weather stripping or caulk.
• Use a door draft stopper (about $10) to block cold air from sneaking under doors.
• Sealing leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.

Make the Most of Windows

• Close curtains or blinds at night to hold in heat.
• Open them during sunny hours to let in natural warmth.
• Add thermal curtains or cover windows with clear plastic film to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Track and Improve Your Energy Use

• If the electric account is in your name, your SmartHub account lets you see daily, weekly, and monthly usage — great for spotting patterns and unexpected spikes.
• Use MVEC’s free My EnergyXpert Audit Tool to identify ways to save and start a conversation with your landlord about upgrades like better insulation or more efficient windows.

It’s always a great idea to give gifts that save energy—and some of these you might want to keep for yourself!

Tech and Home Efficiency

• Smart Power Strip — $15–$100
  Perfect for anyone with multiple devices. When the main device (like a computer) turns off, the rest of the plugged-in items automatically power down. Some models include remote or app control and programmable timers.
• Smart Thermostat — $30–$600
  Learns energy habits over time to save money and maintain comfort. Many can be controlled via smartphone. Make sure you’ll use its features before investing.
• ENERGY STAR Tablets — $40–$4,000
  Save power while streaming, reading, or working. ENERGY STAR-rated tablets use up to seven times less energy than a TV.

On-the-Go Energy

• Solar Backpack — $30–$325
  Perfect for hikers, bikers, or commuters. Solar panels charge phones, tablets, or laptops, while still functioning like a regular backpack.
• E-Bike — $250–$9,000
  Regular bikes with electric motors for easier pedaling on long or hilly rides. Foldable options are available. Great for commuting or exercise.
• Electric Scooter — $80–$3,000
  Fun and efficient for neighborhood rides or daily commutes. Higher-end models have longer ranges, larger tires, and better suspension. Best on paved surfaces.

Simple, Low-Cost Ideas

• Cozy Night In — $0
  Enjoy a book, fuzzy slippers, and a favorite sweater. Lower your thermostat a few degrees while staying comfortable.
• Gift of Electricity — Any amount
  Perfect for an MVEC member. A practical gift for friends, family on a fixed budget, or anyone facing financial hardship.

Tip: When shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR label or low Energy Guide ratings to ensure maximum energy savings.

— Pat Keegan & Brad Thiessen, Collaborative Efficiency

• Check that vents and radiators aren’t blocked by furniture.
• Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, plumbing, and wiring with caulk or expanding foam.
• Install weather stripping under doors or block drafts with a rolled-up towel.
• Add window insulation kits or thick curtains to reduce drafts.
• Lay down rugs on cold floors for extra warmth.
• Insulate the first few feet of hot water pipes and, if possible, wrap your water heater with an insulation jacket.

Smart Thermostat and Heating Habits

• Replace furnace filters regularly to maintain efficiency.
• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and turn it down at night.
• After using the oven, leave the door slightly open to warm the kitchen.

Improve Heating Efficiency

• Check your furnace’s AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.
  • Older furnaces (20+ years) may run at 70–80% efficiency.
  • New high-efficiency models can reach 95% or higher—potentially saving 15–20% on propane costs.
• Make sure ductwork is properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat loss.
• If it’s time to replace your system, consider an air-source or mini-split heat pump. Modern models perform well even in colder climates (with a backup heat source for extreme cold).

Use Sunlight and Landscaping

• Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth and close them at night.
• Remove or cover window A/C units for the winter.
• Plant evergreen trees and shrubs as windbreaks to block cold winter winds and create natural insulation.

• Look for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances — they are substantially more efficient than standard models.
• MVEC offers rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances and those with low Energy Guide ratings.
• Replacing old appliances can lead to significant savings. For example, swapping a 20-year-old refrigerator for an ENERGY STAR model can reduce electricity costs from $16.50/month to under $4.
• Even small differences add up over time: one study found the most efficient refrigerator used $68 less per year than the least efficient model, which can exceed the purchase price over a decade.

Refrigerators & Freezers

• Set the fridge temperature to 35–38°F and the freezer to 0°F.
• Allow adequate airflow between the appliance and the wall.
• Keep the fridge relatively full — one full unit is more efficient than two partially filled.
• Check door gaskets and clean coils and grills regularly.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers when needed.
• Consider replacing old appliances (pre-1995), especially extra fridges or freezers in garages, which can be energy hogs.

Stoves & Ovens

• Match pan size to burner size to maximize efficiency.
• Use smaller appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, or slow cookers instead of the full oven whenever possible.

Dishwashers

• Use the shortest and most energy-efficient cycle that gets dishes clean.
• Air dry dishes instead of using the heated dry function.
• Run the dishwasher only when full to maximize efficiency.

Washers & Dryers

• Wash full loads and choose the most economical settings that still get clothes clean.
• Run consecutive dryer loads so the heat from the first load helps dry the second, saving energy.

Q: Would replacing my old windows with new, more efficient ones really cut my energy use in half?
A: No. While replacing inefficient windows with new, energy-efficient windows can cut the heat loss through windows in half (or more), windows typically account for only about 25 to 30 percent of your space heating costs. The amount of energy you use for heating and cooling is likely one-third to one-half of your total energy use, so replacing your old windows might only reduce your total energy costs by about 10 percent. When you consider the high cost of new windows, you may not recoup your investment for 15 or 20 years, or even longer.

Q: Burning wood in my fireplace should save on my heating costs, right?
A: Possibly, but certain conditions need to be met. The wood should be dry and burned efficiently in a properly-installed, properly-placed, high-efficiency wood stove or fireplace insert. Otherwise, it’s likely you’ll lose as much heat through your chimney as you’re distributing throughout the house.

Q: My kids claim using the dishwasher is just as efficient as washing dishes by hand. Are they right?
A: Yes – in fact, it’s usually more efficient! Properly used dishwashers actually use less water while doing a better job, and as a bonus, they will save you more than 200 hours a year. For maximum energy savings, make sure your water heater is set to about 120 degrees and use the most efficient wash/dry settings.

Q: I’ve heard it’s better to heat individual rooms with an electric space heater and keep the doors closed to trap the heat. Is this true?
A: It’s possible to save money with an electric space heater if you use it only a few hours a day and reduce your home’s thermostat setting by a couple of degrees. Space heaters can cause fires, so they need to be used wisely and should never be left unattended. Which brings us to your next question…

Q: Should I close the vents in rooms that aren’t being used?
A: Most experts advise against this because closing supply registers forces your furnace or A/C unit to work harder. They advise keeping all your vents and doors open. If your system supplies too much heat to some rooms and too little to other rooms, you should talk to a heating and air conditioning professional about modifying your ductwork.

Q: Does the age of my home determine how energy efficient it is?
A: Newer homes tend to be more efficient because energy codes have improved, but every home can have hidden energy issues, no matter its age. If you want to evaluate the efficiency of your home, it’s best to schedule an energy audit with a professional.

Q: Is it true that turning lights off and on uses more energy than just leaving them on?
A: Not true. Turning off lights definitely reduces energy use. Turn off LED and incandescent bulbs every time you leave the room. The situation is a little different with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Turning them off does save energy but can shorten the life of the bulb. The rule of thumb for CFLs is to turn them off any time they won’t be used for 15 minutes or more.