Tips to Save Money at Home

Cooling Systems and Water Heaters

• Install and set a programmable thermostat - it could help you save up to 10 percent (or up to $150) a year on heating and cooling costs when used properly. Use one that can automatically turn off your cooling system when you are not home, and turn your system on in time for you to arrive home to a cooled house.  

• Running your air conditioning at 78°F instead of 72°F can save between 6 and 18 percent on your cooling bill. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be, so set your thermostat as high as possible during the summer months.  

• The quickest way to save energy on home cooling is to regularly clean and replace your cooling unit's filters.  

• Heating water can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save energy (and avoid a surprise faucet-scalding).  

Fans

• Use a fan. Ceiling fans will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees without impacting your comfort. Just make sure to turn it off when you leave the room (fans cool people, not rooms). 
• Use the bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath and a range hood when cooking -- this helps remove heat and humidity from your home.  

Insulation

• Insulate your attic and walls, and seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home. Call OUC for a free Home Energy Survey: 407.423.9018. 
• Insulate and seal ducts -- air loss through ducts accounts for about 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Call OUC for a free Home Energy Survey: 407.423.9018. 
• On average, households lose about 20 percent of their heated and cooled air through the duct system to the outside. To avoid wasting energy, have your ducts inspected to ensure they’re sealed properly and insulated if necessary.  

LED Light Bulbs

• Lighting makes up about 10 percent of home energy costs. Save up to 75 percent of that energy by replacing incandescent bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. They also last longer, saving money on replacements. Install energy-efficient window coverings that let natural light in and prevent solar heat gain.If costs weren’t enough reason to make the switch to LEDs, only about 10 to 15 percent of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light -- the rest is turned into heat.  

Landscaping

• Well-planned landscaping isn’t just for aesthetics -- properly placed trees around the house can save between $100 and $250 annually. Visit arborday.org/cityoforlando to use an interactive mapping tool that will show you how much a tree can help you save.

Appliances and Technology

• By using the microwave, toaster or a counter-top grill rather than an oven, you’ll use less energy and avoid excess heat that increases room temperature.  
• Leaving a computer on all day can cost about 21 cents per day, or about $75 per year. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use – a task made easier by using multiple-outlet strips, which can turn everything off with the flip of a switch. 
• Buy an ENERGY STAR-qualified AC unit -- on average, they're up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models. 
• Placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary because the thermostat senses heat from the appliances. Set them apart and save energy.