Energy Saving Tips

Take a closer look at ways to save electricity in your home...

• Check vent registers and wall heaters to be sure household furnishings are not blocking them.
• At least once a year, vacuum vent registers and wall heating units.
• Check heat pump and forced air furnace manufacturers' recommendation for service guidelines for highest efficiency standards.
• To check thermostat accuracy, place a thermometer near the thermostat and adjust for temperature differences.
• The water heater thermostat should be set at 120º. To check the water temperature use a thermometer at the tap closest to the water heater.
• If you have an older water heater which is located in an unheated space, you may want to consider installing vinyl insulation wrap and cover water pipes with pipe insulation.
• PUD 3 offers a $25 rebate to residential and commercial customers who replace their existing electric water heater with a qualifying energy efficient electric water heater. Contact the Energy Services office at (360) 426-0777 for more information.
• Low-flow showerheads and sink aerators can reduce the use of hot water and, in turn, reduce your electrical consumption. Free low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are available from PUD 3 to customers who heat their water electrically.

Free and Low Cost Ways to Save Energy

• Do laundry in cold water whenever possible.
• Hang clothes outside to dry whenever possible.
• Keep dryer lint trap clean at all times for the dryer to work at the highest efficiency.
• Close draperies and blinds to keep heat in during winter months and keep your home cool in summer months.
• Only run dishwasher when full.
• Keep freezer as full as possible.
• Turn lights off in rooms not being used.
• Consolidate refrigerators & freezers.
• Caulk windows to reduce outside air from leaking into your home.
• Repair drippy faucets.
• Weather-strip doors.
• Wrap water pipes.
• Use shrink-wrap on non-insulated windows.
• Seal and wrap heating ducts.
• Change furnace filters regularly.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.
• Close fireplace damper when not in use.

When shopping for a new appliance, take into account hidden energy costs. An appliance with the lowest price tag may not be the most energy efficient. Read the ENERGYGUIDE labels on major appliances, and talk to salespeople about the best energy buy. By federal law, these new appliances all have energy-efficiency labels:

• Refrigerators
• Water Heaters
• Freezers
• Room and Central Air Conditioners
• Dishwashers
• Clothes Washers
• Furnaces