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What to do |
Why do it? |
How to do it |
| 1. Ensure your ducts are well sealed | This is the number one reason for high electrical bills. Studies have found that on average 20 percent of the air in a forced-air duct system leaks. Sealing leaks can save up to $200/year. | APS and SRP offer rebates to seal ducts and have lists of participating contractors.APS Duct Test and Repair Rebate |
| 2. Ensure your house is properly insulated | Most of the insulation (fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool) used in today’s home does not stop air flow. Air, if given the chance, will flow right through the insulation. Because of this, the air barrier and thermal barrier must be aligned (touch), if not, hot air rising or cold air falling will pass through or around the insulation, greatly reducing its effectiveness. | azhomeperformance.com |
| 3. Replace old, inefficient heating/cooling system. | If the unit is failing, or has failed and needs to be replaced, the additional cost to upgrade to an Energy Star rated unit can be cost effective. | APS AC Rebate Mohave Electric Cooperative High Efficiency Heat Pump Rebate Program
SRP Cool Cash Rebate on High-Efficiency AC Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative Heat Pump Rebate |
| 4. Replace incandescent light bulbswith more efficient bulbs. | CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent lamps and last 10 times longer. Each CFL can save up to $30 over its life. | APS, SRP and TEP offer discounts on CFL’s.APS Discounts on Energy Star Energy-Efficient Lighting |
| 5. Convert to energy-efficient variable speed pool pumps | Savings between $175 and $400 annually based on size of motor, operating hours and utility rate schedule. Return is 5 to 7 years | APS offers a $200 rebate SRP offers a $200 rebate |
| 6. Assess your house for pressure balancing | Air flow is the most important factor in a home’s performance when it comes to being healthy, safe, durable, comfortable and energy efficient. If you cannot get control of air flow it is very difficult to control performance. | azhomeperformance.com |
| 7. Install shade screens on east, west and south facing windows. | Shade screens can block up to 80% of the solar heat gain. | SRP has a rebate program for shade screens |
| 8. Recycle your old refrigerator or freezer | Turning off an old refrigerator or freezer can save about $100 a year – savings will vary depending on the type of refrigerator. | APS and SRP have refrigerator recycling programs:APS pays $30 |
| 9. Reduce vampire power | This refers to the electric power consumed by electronic and electrical appliances while they are switched off (but are designed to draw some power) or in a standby mode.By 2010 regulations were in place in most developed countries restricting standby power of devices sold to one watt (and half that from 2013).If a homeowner pays $100 a month for electricity, the installation of a $150-$200 electricity dashboard that helps the owner reduce electricity use by 5% will pay for itself in less than 3 1/2 years. | Wikipedia: Standby Power: Reducing Standby Consumption |
| 10. Set thermostat based on occupancy schedule. Raising your set point by 1 degree in the summer is a 3% savings. | The US Dept. of Energy states that programmable thermostats can save up to $150 a year on energy costs when used properly. | Programmable thermostats cost between $35 and $75. Look for devices with large, easy to read screens. The newest models have touch screens. Buy Energy Star Products when available.Top 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Saving Energy at Home |
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