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Energy savings is simple
There are many no-cost or inexpensive things you can do to save energy and shave dollars off your electric bill. Below are a few of the more common-sense ideas. For more information about other Eugene Water & Electric energy-efficiency programs, browse this web site or call Energy Management Services at (541) 484-1125.

No-cost ideas

• Turn off unused lights.
• Wash your clothes in cold water.
• Close your fireplace flue when not in use.
• Lower your thermostats at night (below 62 degrees).
• Keep thermostats set below 68 degrees in the winter.
• Lower your thermostat to 50 to 55 degrees when going on vacation.
• If you have a cooling system, aim for a thermostat setting above 76 degrees.
• When buying appliances, choose Energy Star certified products.
• Wear sweaters or layered warm clothing indoors in the winter.
• Turn down your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees.
• Lower your dishwasher thermostat to 130 degrees.
• Don’t heat rooms that aren’t in use.
• Clean heating system filters regularly.
• Let the sun shine through windows in the winter; block the sun on hot summer days.

Low-cost tips

• Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket.
• Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows.
• Use compact-fluorescent light bulbs.
• Use high-efficiency showerheads.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Upgrade to newer, electronically controlled thermostats.
• Install an attic exhaust fan for summertime use.
• Replace furnace filters every three months.
• Install exterior wall switch and outlet gaskets.

You may also determine the cost of running appliances, including those that require standby power, to help determine where you can save energy and reduce costs.