University of Florida

Home Energy Conservation

The majority of energy used in homes goes toward heating, cooling, and lighting. Use the tips below to save money on your energy bills.

Lights, Water Heaters, & Appliances

  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs — or other efficient bulbs — in lighting fixtures.
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Use the appropriate load settings.
  • If you're buying new appliances, look for ones with the ENERGY STAR® logo.
  • Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F.
  • Clean your dryer's lint screen before running a new load.

More details on appliances are in the Energy Efficient Homes series of publications:

HVAC System

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can account for more than 40% of home energy use—and that means more than 40% of the energy bill.

  • Clean or change your air filters once a month.
  • Make sure your home is properly insulated and has good ventilation.
  • Make sure your furniture isn't blocking vents or air outlets.
  • Weather-strip any cracks or openings around your windows and doors.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to better regulate your home's temperature.

More details on HVACs are in the Energy Efficient Homes series of publications:

Cooling

  • Set the thermostat at 78°F or higher. Wear light clothing to be more comfortable.
  • Seal gaps between window AC units and the window frame.
  • Use ceiling fans to make the room feel cooler, but turn them off when you leave the room.
  • Shade bright windows to prevent heating from sunlight.

Heating

  • Instead of turning on heat during cooler weather, put on a sweater and an extra pair of socks.
  • During the day, open your curtains to let in the sun. Close them at night to keep heat inside.

Tax Incentives

For information about energy efficiency-related tax incentives, visit the following websites:

Adapted and excerpted from:

UF/IFAS Extension Publications, Energy Efficient Homes Series, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (accessed 05/2013).

M. Harrison, Keeping it Safe: Energy Conservation=More Money (FCS5233-034), UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (Archived).

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