Twelve days of energy savings

1 12 Thermostats
Adjusting
Keep thermostat at 68 degrees or lower if using the fireplace

12 Thermostats adjusting

Set thermostats to 68°F — If health permits. You can save up to 10% on your heating bills by simply turning your thermostat down 7-10°F for eight hours.

2 11 LEDs
Glowing
LEDs use 75% less energy

11 LEDs glowing

Use LEDs — Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs use 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED holiday lights can last up to 40 seasons! Search LEDs in your price range here.

3 10 Fridges
Cooling
Set refrigerators to 38 degrees

10 Fridges cooling

Set your refrigerators to 38°F — Keeping your refrigerator cool (not cold) minimizes the annual costs of it always running.

4 9 Vents
Clearing
Keep area around vents clear

9 Vents clearing

Clear areas around vents — Blockages, like furniture and carpet, make heating systems work harder and prevent rooms from warming up quickly. Keep areas around vents open to minimize pressure that could cause leaks or cracks in the duct system.

5 8 Outlets
Insulating
insulate outlets and light switches

8 Outlets insulating

Insulate outlets and light switches — Insulating helps prevent drafts in the walls that separate your home and the outdoors. Get DIY tips for this and other projects.

6 7 Blinds Opening
Open blinds during the day and close them at night

7 Blinds opening

Let in the sun — Opening blinds during the day captures the heat and provides natural light. Closing them at night reduces chill from cool windows.

7 6 Microwaves
Reheating
Use a microwave to reheat leftovers

6 Microwaves reheating

Use a microwave to reheat leftovers – Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than a standard oven and take less time.

8 5 Dishwashers
Running
Only run a full dishwasher and use energy saver settings

5 Dishwashers running

Get wise about dish washing — Operate your dishwasher with full loads and air-dry dishes on the energy saver setting. Find out if handwashing dishes uses more energy than a dishwasher here.

9 4 Power Strips
Streamlining
Plug decorations into a power strip and turn off when not in use

4 Power strips streamlining

Plug decorations into power strips — Turn off power strips when lights and decorations are not in use.

10 3 ENERGY
STAR® Savings
Buy ENERGY STAR products

3 ENERGY STAR® savings

Buy ENERGY STAR® products — Save up to 30% of your home energy costs when you use ENERGY STAR certified products. Search for ENERGY STAR products and appliances at the right price for you at Energy Action Guide.

11 2 Water Heaters
Heating
Use vacation mode on water heaters when away for a few days

2 Water heaters heating

Turn off your water heater — When planning to be away for a few days, turn off the water heater or set the thermostat to “vacation mode”. When at home, set your water heater thermostat at 120°F or lower to reduce the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain your hot water by not overheating it.

12 1 FREE Home
Energy Checkup
Take a Home Energy Checkup

...And 1 free Home Energy Checkup

Take our free Home Energy Checkup to see where you use the most energy and receive personalized recommendations on how to save. Start checkup now!