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:
- Florida–DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
- Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
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).

Related Sites & Articles
- Hot Topics
- Energy Efficiency Incentives
- Solar Cooking
- Water Conservation
- UF/IFAS Publications
- Energy Efficient Homes Series
- Improving Savings and Health through Minor Conservation Measures in the Home
- Other Sites & Publications
- Energy Saver--U.S. Department of Energy
- DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency