Utilities Division

Energy Saving Solutions

Water heater:

Set the thermostat at 120° (140° if you have an older dishwasher). Consider installing a water heater jacket - it usually pays for itself in about six months through energy savings.

Weather stripping:

Tighten up doors and windows with weather stripping and caulking to keep conditioned air inside and heat or cold out.

Heating:

Lower the thermostat to 65°. Dressing in layers will keep you warmer. Heat only those rooms that are occupied.

Water use:

Use low-flow shower heads. Take shorter showers. Do not let the water run while you do something else.

Furnace filters:

Check the filters in your furnace at least once a month. Filters need to be replaced more often due to Arizona's desert conditions and dusty environment. If they're dirty, you'll have to clean or replace them. Dirty filters make your system work harder which means you use more energy and your energy bills will be higher. Clean filters and frequent replacement of dirty filters helps your heating and air conditioning equipment last longer, too.

Ducts:

Seal or re-seal ductwork. Inspect your ductwork periodically to ensure that you are heating and cooling your home, instead of your attic. Leaky ductwork is a frequent cause of heating or cooling loss.

Eliminate "Energy Bandits":

The biggest energy loss normally occurs through the ceiling, but heat can also escape through walls, windows, doors and floors.

• Reduce your monthly energy cost by improving your insulation. You can obtain complete insulation information from hardware stores or insulation dealers.
• Caulk around windows and door frames. Cracked, brittle and loose caulk must be replaced
• Replace loose or cracked putty around window panes.
• Cover, tint or shade windows to reduce heating or cooling loss.