Energy Efficiency Tips

• Install a programmable thermostat to help automatically regulate your home temperature for comfort control and energy savings.

• Open your drapes and shades during the day, allowing the sun to warm your house and close them at night to limit the amount of heat that escapes.

• Close off air and heat vents in unused rooms.

• Clean or replace furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations. A simple clean or change can save up to 2% on your heating costs.

• Install wall and attic insulation and weather-stripping or caulk to leaky doors and windows.

• Close your fireplace damper tightly when not in use.

• About 15% of your water bill is attributed to heating water. Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120 degrees unless your dishwasher requires a higher setting.

• Install a water heater blanket, making sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered on a gas water heater. Insulate water pipes leading from the hot water heater.

• Cook efficiently, using the correct size pots and pans and preheating the oven only as needed.

• Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. They can save 5+ gallons of water / day in addition to the energy required to heat this water.

• Take shorter showers.

• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer.

• When replacing appliances such as clothes washers, dishwashers and water heaters, etc., look for energy efficient models with the ENERGY STAR label and higher (EF) ratings.

For more information, contact PACE Energy Savings Project at (800) 716-2218.

Sources: Southern California Gas Company and State of California, Community Services and Development.