Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency

Savings Tips

Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency

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When buying a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR logo.

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ENERGY STAR certified appliances and tech like heat pumps are much more efficient than their gas counterparts.

Install energy efficient appliances

Insulation and weatherization work in tandem to ensure that no energy escapes your home through walls, ceilings, ducts, pipes, or appliances.

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A more efficient home is a more cost effective home.

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Insulate and weatherize your home

The best way to save on energy bills is to use less energy. But sometimes that is not a viable option.

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Explore savings tips below to see how you can make small changes that all together could make a big difference in your energy bill.

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Only use what you need

Insulate & weatherize

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Savings Tips

Turn down the heat, layer up

During winter, Invest in a cozy hoodie and socks to keep you warmer. You can save about 2% of your heating bill for each degree that you lower the thermostat.

Heating and cooling

Invest in a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust your temperature accordingly. Learn more and see incentives here.

Clean/replace filters

A clogged HVAC filter inhibits air flow - a clean filter is the most efficient.

Utilize window curtains

During winter, allow sunlight into home , then close them at night to retain the heat. During hot days, do the reverse.

Make space for circulation

Keep warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators clean and clear of furniture, carpeting and drapes

Hot water

Use less hot water

Take shorter showers, only run a full dishwasher, use cold water for laundry loads.

Turn down thermostat

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater and set it to 120°F.

Install low-flow fixtures

Install low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets. PG&E customers can get a FREE Energy Efficiency Kit delivered to their door - click here to learn more about the program.

Install a water heater blanket

Insulating your water tank can save you 7-16% annually on your water heating bill. If your water heater tank is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation. Click here to learn more about this DIY project.

Fix leaks

One drip per second can cost up to $1 a month!

Insulate hot water pipes

With more insulation you won't have to wait as long for hot water to flow from a faucet. Click here to learn more about this DIY project.

Laundry

Wash full loads

Washing full loads of laundry cuts down on energy usage.

Wash with cold water

Give your water heater a break without sacrificing clean, fresh clothes

Insulation and weatherization

Insulation

Insulation is a two-way shield that ensures that no air is escaping through the attic, ceiling, vents, floor, or walls. It will help you keep the desired temperature in your house all year round. Watch the video to learn more about different types of insulation.

Insulation effectiveness is conveyed using an 'R-value' - the higher the R-value, the greater the more effective. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness and its density. Check your insulation and install where missing, or replace it if it’s below these “R” values:

R-30 for ceilings; R-11 for walls; and R-19 for floors.

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Air sealing & weatherization

Adding insulation and filling gaps around doors and windows with caulk, spray foam and batting are some of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to reduce wasteful air leakage.

Sealing reduces leaks and drafts by creating a controlled barrier between inside and outside air. This prevents heated or cold air from escaping your home, therefore putting less pressure on your heating and/or cooling appliance.

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