Strategies For Reducing Your Energy Usage
Take control of your energy usage by taking advantage of weatherization basics and smart technology. We’ll help you understand where your energy dollars go and how to reduce energy use while staying comfortable.
Low-cost weatherization
Your home’s thermal envelope is the first line of defense against high energy costs. Learning how to reduce energy use starts with limiting air infiltration, so your home’s heating or cooling system can reach a comfortable temperature faster.
The following simple weatherization steps can help you reduce your energy usage.
Sealing doors, windows and leaks
Weatherstripping doors and caulking window frames can help reduce air infiltration. Focus on hidden gaps around pipes and chimneys where warm or cool air escapes. These leaks can significantly increase energy costs because your system works continuously to recondition lost air.
The power of insulation
After sealing air leaks, proper insulation maintains the temperatures inside your home. Attic insulation should meet or exceed R-38 standards in most regions. When your thermal envelope is strong, your heating and cooling system runs less frequently, helping you reduce your energy consumption.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to automate your energy-saving strategies. The following tips can help you learn how to be more energy efficient without sacrificing comfort.
Strategic nighttime settings
Dropping your thermostat temperature by 5 to 8 degrees while sleeping can lead to big savings. Shorter durations may cause your system to use more energy during recovery. Smart thermostats implement predictive staging, gradually warming or cooling your home before you wake.
Monitoring and adjusting energy usage
Checking your energy data helps you see how your home uses energy based on things like the weather outside and when people are home.
When you track your usage, you can fine-tune your thermostat schedule for greater energy efficiency.
Analyze your usage
Reviewing your usage history can help you understand when and how your home is using energy. In just a short time, you can spot patterns and identify customized energy efficiency opportunities.
Gas usage tracker
You can also track patterns with the usage charts in your online account. Regular monitoring helps you spot changes quickly and connect them to specific behaviors or weather patterns.
Take advantage of managed billing
While energy efficient improvements can reduce total energy used, other tools can help you manage fluctuating energy costs. Budget billing spreads high-demand expenses across 12 months, allowing greater budget precision. You’ll pay approximately the same amount monthly based on your average annual usage.
For customers facing financial challenges, payment assistance programs provide support to those that are eligible. Contact us right away if you’re having trouble paying your bill.
Common questions about reducing energy costs
Will turning my heat way down when I'm gone save money?
The answer depends on timing. Setbacks are most effective when your home is unoccupied for at least eight hours. During shorter absences, your heating system may work at full capacity during recovery, potentially using more energy than you saved. For maximum energy savings, using a smart thermostat can help gradually warm your home before you return.
What is a bypass in an attic and why does it matter?
A bypass is a hidden gap around pipes, chimneys or recessed lights where warm air escapes into your attic. These bypasses create a chimney effect, constantly pulling heated air from your living space. Sealing bypasses before adding insulation is critical because they can account for significant lost heating costs.
Safety remains our top priority
Your family’s safety is important to us. Take a few minutes to read about what to do if a gas emergency happens.