In summer

• Use shades and drapes to block out direct sun during the day.
• Cook outside or with a microwave oven instead of a stove. Save money and improve comfort.
• Use a whole house fan, room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning.
• Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher.
• Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. To control cooling times:
  • Use a programmable thermostat for central air. Save 10 to 35 cents per hour.
  • Use a timer for room air conditioners. Save 5 to 15 cents per hour.
• Put compact fluorescent bulbs in your most-used fixtures and lamps. Fluorescent bulbs put out less heat, plus you will save $30 to $40 over the life of each bulb.
• Unplug second refrigerator if not needed. Save $5 to $10 per month.
• Turn off appliances including computers and televisions when not in use.

Laundry

• Dry clothes on a clothesline instead of in a dryer.
• Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load. Dry faster and save money.
• Wash clothes in cold water. Save 10 to 20 cents per load.

Lighting

• Replace most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with fluorescent. Save two-thirds of lighting costs.
• Use photo-eye and timer fixtures or timers on outdoor lights. Save energy.
• Turn lights off when not in use—100 watts for 10 hours costs 12 cents.

Water heating

• Set water heater at 120°F to 125°F. Save money and prevent scalding.
• Insulate pre-1990 water heaters, especially electric heaters. Pays for itself in six months.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. Save on water and heating costs.

Refrigerator

• Unplug second refrigerator or freezer if not needed. Save $5 to $15 per month.
• Use the anti-sweat switch only when needed.

In winter

• Lower the thermostat at night and when you're away (55°F lowest setting). Save 1% for every 1°F temperature decrease for an eight-hour setback.
  Thermostat Setback [PDF - 174 KB]
• Check furnace filter monthly and replace as needed to maintain furnace efficiency.
• Seal around sewer vent pipe in basement and attic to keep in heated air.
• Close fireplace damper after fire is out to stop drafts and save money.
• Let the sun in during the day to reduce heating costs.
• Close drapes and shades at night to save money and improve comfort.

In spring

• Window air conditioner. Seal around the unit so cool air cannot escape.
• Central air conditioner. Hose off the outdoor condensing unit to remove dirt and leaves. Get professional service for your central air every two years. Choose a qualified contractor or call MGE at 252-7333.
• Furnace filter. If it's dirty, replace it. Check every month, more often if needed.
• Dehumidifier. Vacuum dust and dirt from the coils and fan.
• Lawn mower. Replace your gas-powered lawn mower with a non-polluting manual or electric mower.
• Air-dried laundry. Put up a clothesline for drying laundry outside to avoid heating the house with your clothes dryer.
• Shade. Plant a deciduous shade tree to the south or west of your home to keep it cooler.
• Check gutters and downspouts. Make sure they drain away from the house to reduce moisture around your home’s foundation.

For more information
Refrigerators
Dryer Venting Dangers
Energy-Saving Tips for All Seasons [PDF - 641 KB]
Lighting [PDF - 692 KB]
Track Your Home's Energy Use