Take control of your energy usage at home! There are many things you can do each day at home to conserve your energy AND save on your monthly bill. It is a win-win, so be sure to check out some tips below and read the full list here!

Manage your cooling and heating costs:
In the summer, set your air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Visit one of your community cooling enter when temperatures are unusually high. In the winter time, set your heater to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower during the day and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Unplug unused electronics:
Turn off and unplug computers, TVs, phone charger, entertainment consoles, coffee makers, and other devices

All things laundry:
- Today’s detergents work well in cold water, saving about 90 percent of the energy your washing machine would use to heat water.
- Use your clothes dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent.
- Make sure the lint trap in the clothes dryer is clean before you press start. Add a tennis ball or a clean, dry towel to improve air circulation and reduce drying time.

Use cold water:
- Run cold water when using your garbage disposal. Hot water requires energy to warm. Cold water solidifies grease, moving it more easily through the disposal and pipes.
- Turn off hot water when not needed while brushing teeth, shaving or doing dishes.

What’s Cookin’ in the Kitchen?
- Use the self-cleaning oven feature only when necessary. Start the self-cleaning cycle immediately after you use the oven in order to take advantage of pre-existing heat.
- Use glass baking dishes in the oven when possible! Glass retains heat better than other materials, so it helps food cook faster and you can usually reduce oven temp by 25 degrees.
- Operate your dishwasher with full loads, and air-dry dishes on the energy saver setting. If the manufacturer's instructions permit, open the dishwasher door at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
- Defrost a manual-defrost refrigerator or freezer when ice builds up to more than one-quarter of an inch. Built-up ice decreases the energy efficiency of the unit.

Replace inefficient light bulbs
Use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs- they use 75 percent less energy, last six times longer, and create a warm, inviting feeling in your home.