Efficiency

thermostat

Powell Valley wants to help you make wise energy choices. The information below includes resources and incentives to help you make important efficiency upgrades as well as tips to save energy and money each day.

Efficiency Recommendations

No Cost Tips

Daily Activities

Turn off lights, electronics and appliances when they’re not in use. Use sleep mode for computers.
Take shorter, cooler showers to reduce hot water use.
Use cold water for laundry whenever possible and wash only full loads.

In the Kitchen

Match the size of pots and pans to the size of the burner. Cover with lids whenever possible.
Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heated drying option.
Set the refrigerator temperature between 35°-39°F and the freezer between 0°-5°F.
Clean refrigerator coils so they cool more efficiently.
Unplug or recycle your second refrigerator.

Hot Water

Set your hot water heater to 120°F.
Drain a gallon of water from your water heater once a year to remove sediment and improve performance.

Low Cost Tips

Lighting

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or light-emitting diodes (LED), which use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer.

Heating + Cooling

Change air filters monthly. Dirty filters force your heating and cooling systems to work harder.
Insulate heating and cooling ducts and repair any air leaks.
Install an ENERGY STAR certified programmable thermostat.

Insulation + Sealing

Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors to stop air leaks.
Seal gaps where pipes or electrical wires come though walls or floors.
Add insulation to your attic, crawlspaces and any accessible exterior walls.
Seal exterior light switches and electrical outlets.

Appliances + Electronics

Use power strips for electronics and small appliances, turning them off when not in use. Many electronics and appliances still use electricity even when the power is off.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when replacing appliances, whether small or large.
Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer.

Water

Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads.
Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month.
Insulate the first 5 feet of pipe coming from your water heater.
Wrap your water heater with insulation or an insulating blanket.