Heating and cooling are among the largest electricity users in a home, especially during periods of extreme heat or cold.

Ways to save:

• Adjust the thermostat when you’re sleeping or away. Or consider getting a smart thermostat.
• Seal drafts around windows and doors, and consider replacing old windows and doors.
• Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly.
• Consider switching to a highly efficient heat pump.
• Improve insulation and air sealing where needed.

Your water heater works throughout the day and accounts for roughly 12–13% of household electricity use.

Ways to save:

• Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
• Consider an efficient heat-pump water heater when replacement time comes. Heat-pump water heaters typically use 50% less energy.
• The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120°F to balance comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

Some run around the clock, while others use significant energy to heat water or produce heat.

Ways to save:

• Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Use cold-water laundry cycles.
• Replace aging appliances with efficient models when they reach the end of their useful life.
• Look for Energy Star-rated appliances.

These are the sneaky energy vampires. Many electronics continue using some electricity even while sleeping or appearing to be turned off. Individually they may not use much, but their electricity use can add up.

Ways to save:

• Enable power-saving settings.
• Plug groups of electronics into switched power strips.

One light doesn’t use much, but lighting throughout an entire home adds up, especially as October days get shorter. Lighting accounts for about 6% of electricity use in the average home.

Ways to save:

• Switch frequently used bulbs to LEDs.
• Use timers or motion sensorsfor outdoor lighting.

A demand charge is based on your highest hourly consumption of electricity during peak hours in your billing cycle.

Peak hours are 7-10 a.m. and 5-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. You can lower your demand charge by spreading out large electric uses, such as laundry, dishwashing, EV charging, heating, cooling, or other high-use equipment.

Your Co-op offers energy-saving rebates and programs to help residential and commercial members improve efficiency and lower energy costs. Staff can help you identify available incentives and make smart energy choices.

Call 406-751-4483 and ask for an energy advisor.