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Version: 2026.08.01

Energy & Water Conservation

A home built with respect for our environment is even more effective when your daily use of features and products is well-informed. In the process of conserving, you also save money as an additional benefit.

Heating and Cooling​

HVAC Maintenance​

  • Maintain heating and cooling systems in clean and good working order
  • Arrange for professional service a minimum of once every two years
  • Keep filters clean or replace them regularly
  • Learn how to use your programmable thermostat for comfort and efficient energy use
  • If you have a zoned system, think through operating schedules and temperature settings to maximize comfort and minimize energy consumption

Landscaping for Efficiency​

Plan landscaping elements that support efficient energy use:

  • Deciduous trees provide shade during summer and permit solar warming in winter
  • Evergreen trees and shrubs can create a windbreak and reduce heating costs
  • Position trees to shade the roof while still allowing good air flow around the home
  • Plant shrubs/trees to shade the air conditioner without obstructing air flow around it

Seasonal Tips​

Winter:

  • Open window coverings during cold days to allow the sun to warm your home. Close them when the sun begins to set.
  • Humidifying the air allows it to retain more heat and provides general health benefits.
  • Keep garage overhead doors closed.
Humidifier Settings

If condensation develops on your windows, you have taken a good thing too far—lower the setting on the humidifier. Setting requirements change with outside temperature; your manufacturer's manual contains a table defining these.

Summer:

  • Ceiling fans use only 1/10th the electricity of an air conditioner, and the moving air allows you to feel comfortable at temperatures several degrees higher.
  • Close all windows and window coverings on panes facing the sun to minimize solar heating.
  • Turn off the humidifier when using air conditioning—additional moisture can freeze the evaporator coils.

General Tips​

  • Keep garage overhead doors closed
  • If expecting a house full of guests, turn the heat down a few degrees—body heat will make up the difference

Water and Water Heater​

Water Heater Efficiency​

Tank-style water heaters:

  • Set temperature at "normal" or 120°F
  • Follow manufacturer's directions for draining to remove accumulated hard-water scale
  • Timing depends on your water supply

Tankless or heat pump water heaters:

  • Follow manufacturer instructions for timing and steps to clean the unit

Water Conservation​

  • Correct plumbing leaks, running toilets, or dripping faucets as soon as possible
  • Keep aerators clean
  • Front-loading washing machines require less than half the water of top-loaders, cause less wear on clothing, and wring more water out in the spin cycle so laundry dries faster

Appliances​

General Appliance Tips​

  • When selecting appliances, compare the information on the Energy Guide sticker—spending more up front can reduce operating costs over the appliance's life
  • Use cold water when operating your disposal (conserves hot water and protects the motor)

Oven and Cooking​

  • Don't preheat your oven longer than necessary
  • When possible, bake several items at the same time or consecutively
  • Turn the oven off a few minutes before baking time is done
  • If your oven includes a convection setting, use it regularly—it can save time and energy, allowing you to set the temperature 25 degrees lower for most recipes

Dishwasher​

  • Scrape food into the garbage rather than rinsing down the drain
  • Run the dishwasher when it has a full load and allow dishes to air-dry
  • A full dishwasher uses ½ of the energy and 1/6th the water vs. washing dishes by hand
  • Avoid regular use of the rinse and hold cycle
  • Use a phosphate-free detergent

Refrigerator​

  • Select an appropriate size for your needs—two small refrigerators use more energy than one large one
  • Refrigerators with the freezer on top use significantly less energy than side-by-side models; bottom freezer models are most energy efficient
  • Shelves are warmer near the door; keep meats and dairy products toward the bottom and back
  • Keep refrigerator moderately full (works less to keep cool), but don't overpack—proper air circulation is important
  • Keep your freezer full
  • Allow hot food to cool before placing in refrigerator
  • Regularly check seals—if a dollar bill slides out without a tug, you may need to replace them
  • Clean the condenser coils every three months or as needed using a coil cleaning brush

Electrical Efficiency​

Lighting​

  • Use LED bulbs where possible—they are the most efficient and longest-lasting option
  • Incandescent bulbs are the least efficient source of light
  • Keep light fixtures and bulbs clean to maximize light output
  • LED bulbs last approximately 50,000 hours (5 times longer than CFL and 65 times longer than incandescent)
  • LEDs do not contain mercury
  • LEDs work best for task lighting such as desk lamps and under-counter lights

Note: Energy conservation is guidance for efficient living, not a warranty item.