Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing appliances.

Follow these tips to save energy and stay comfortable.

Heating
The furnace or boiler is the largest energy user in most homes.

• Check furnace filter monthly; replace as needed.
• If health permits, keep the thermostat at 68°F or below.
• Lower thermostat at night and when you're gone (55°F lowest setting).
• Keep registers and cold air returns clear of furniture and drapes.
• Open drapes to allow sun in. Close them at night.
• Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or an air-tight cover.
• Cover interior of windows with shrink-film plastic.

Electric heat is the most expensive.

• Close off rooms you are not using.
• Turn down thermostats on closed-off rooms.

Appliances

• Always look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new products. They use less energy than comparable products.
• Refrigerators older than 1990 can use three times as much electricity as new ones.
• MGE has given portable energy meters to area libraries. Check one out to see how much electricity appliances use.
• Cook in a microwave oven rather than a stove.
• Turn off TV, radio, stereo and computers when not at home.

For more information
Appliance Energy Costs [PDF - 448 KB]
Refrigerators [PDF - 125 KB]
Portable Energy Meters

Lighting

• Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

For more information
Focus on Energy lighting rebates
Lighting [PDF - 357 KB]

Water heating
Water heating is the second largest single energy user in most homes.

• Set water heater temperature at 120°F.
• Conserve hot water.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Tell the owner about dripping faucets or water heater leaks.

For more information
Water Heaters [PDF - 400 KB]

Air-conditioning

• Air conditioning can be your biggest electricity user in the summer.
• Set your thermostat at 78°F or higher.
• Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home.
• Close your drapes and shades to keep the sun out.
• Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning.
• Turn off fans when room is unoccupied.

For more information
Air Conditioners [PDF - 876 KB]
Energy-Saving Tips for Renters [PDF - 280 KB]

Additional information
Home Energy Saver: Making It Happen
Tenant Resource Center