Bright Ideas Tips

Simple habit changes, easy home improvements and smart buying can make a difference -- saving you both energy AND money. Look below for additional tips on how to use less and save more.

January
Drafts-can-be-found-in-surprising-places--not-just-windows-and-doors21

Drafts can be found in surprising places -- not just windows and doors!

Did you know cool air can leak into your home through light switches and outlets?

Bright Idea: Install outlet and switch gaskets under your covers to seal these areas!

Think-using-a-space-heater-is-less-costly-than-a-heat-pump-during-the-winter-months

Think using a space heater is less costly than a heat pump during the winter months?

You need to consider many factors, including time of use, size of space, safety of the unit, and more.

Bright Idea: Research to learn more and calculate cost using the formula outlined here. (One average space heater running only 8 hours a day could cost you more than $57 a month!)

Need-more-light-this-winter

Need more light this winter?

Start the new year off bright!

Bright Idea: When buying new lightbulbs, try LEDs. They last longer and help you save!

February
Need-a-new-appliance

Need a new appliance?

Choose ENERGY STAR® to save energy and money!

Bright Idea: Check for additional discounts at your local retailers to save even more.

Energy-use-can-spike-in-the-winter-when-we-spend-more-time-indoors

Energy use can spike in the winter when we spend more time indoors.

Did you know electronics, even when turned off, can still draw power?

Bright Idea: Try unplugging TVs, gaming consoles or appliances during the day to to reduce phantom energy and save!

March
Do-you-know-where-the-lint-trap-is-on-your-dryer

Do you know where the lint trap is on your dryer?

A clean lint trap helps your dryer work more efficiently.

Bright Idea: Clean out your dryer lint after every load. You'll save money, plus your clothes will dry faster!

Do-you-know-what-temperature-your-hot-water-heater-is-set-to

Do you know what temperature your hot water heater is set to?

Water heating accounts for up to 20% of an average home's energy use.

Bright Idea: Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F and save 6-10% a year, according to the EPA.

April
Spring-clean-your-way-to-savings21

Spring clean your way to savings!

Clean windows and screens allow for more light and fresh air.

Bright Idea: Wash windows and screens this spring to reduce energy use and save!

Cooking-on-your-stovetop-shouldnt-cost-you-extra

Cooking on your stovetop shouldn't cost you extra.

Excess heat can escape when using a small pot on a large burner.

Bright Idea: Match the size of your pan to the size of your burner to maximize cooking efficiency.

May
Shopping-for-a-new-appliance

Shopping for a new appliance?

Use caution! New doesn’t always mean energy efficient.

Bright Idea: Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for long-term savings!

Save-some-green-with-your-landscaping21

Save some green with your landscaping!

Did you know well-positioned trees can save you up to 25% on your household energy?

Bright Idea: Design your outdoor space to maximize shade in the summer and warmth in the winter!

June
Have-you-turned-on-your-AC-yet

Have you turned on your A/C yet?

Save energy by keeping your house warmer when you’re away.

Bright Idea: Use a programmable thermostat to avoid unnecessary expense!

Keep-out-the-humidity21

Keep out the humidity!

Humidity makes your A/C work harder to keep your home cool.

Bright Idea: Use a ventilating fan (vented to the outside) to remove humidity from your bathroom!

July
Fighting-summer-allergies

Fighting summer allergies?

A dirty A/C air filter can make it worse, plus makes your unit work harder.

Bright Idea: Change your air filter to breathe easier and save energy!

Be-a-fan-of-fans21

Be a fan of fans!

Fans work by creating a wind chill effect, making you feel cooler with moving air.

Bright Idea: Try a fan before adjusting your thermostat to save energy and money!

August
Go-low-flow-this-year21

Go low flow this year!

Did you know water heating can equal up to 20% of your home’s energy use?

Bright Idea: Install a low-flow showerhead to use less water – and less water heating.

Back-to-school-shopping

Back to school shopping?

New clothes means more laundry – as if there wasn't enough already!

Bright Idea: A paired ENERGY STAR®-certified washer and dryer can optimize your laundry cycles, saving you time and money.