Home Efficiency Tips – Cherokee County Electric Cooperative

During hot months, keep window coverings closed on south, east, and west windows.
Keep windows and doors closed when using an air conditioner or heater.
Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
Consider installing low-E windows, which can reduce heat loss by up to 50%.

Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less energy.
Purchase Energy Star-qualified fixtures.
Use natural lighting whenever possible.
Use timers and dimmers to lower light levels and reduce energy use.

Plug home electronics like TVs, stereos, and DVD players into power strips that can be turned off when the electronics are not in use.
Use low-power mode for computers and phones.

Open your refrigerator door as seldom as possible.
Keep your refrigerator between 36 and 38 degrees, and set your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees.
When washing clothes, wash a full load and use cold water whenever possible.
Hang your clothes to dry when possible to save energy.
Wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
Use an outdoor grill in the summer months to keep your kitchen cooler.
When replacing appliances, look for Energy Star-rated products.

In summer, set your thermostat between 78 and 80 degrees when at home and above 80 degrees when away.
In winter, set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees when at home and 60 to 65 degrees when away.
Clean or replace air filters once a month to keep your HVAC running efficiently.
Install a programmable thermostat to manage your heating and cooling more efficiently.
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you're finished cooking or bathing.
Clean out your HVAC with a garden hose.
Supplement your air conditioning with ceiling fans to increase comfort.
In the winter, open the shades on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm your house.