Make small changes at home
Making your home more energy efficient and using energy wisely can help lower your utility bills. Consider putting into place the energy efficient measures — some of which are relatively low cost — listed below.
- Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping.
- Replace broken or cracked glass and consider installing storm windows.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs. The best targets are 60-100W bulbs that you use several hours a day.
- Clean or replace furnace, air conditioner and heat pump filters.
- Assess your heating and cooling systems to see if you should replace them or whether a retrofit could improve efficiency while providing the same (or better!) comfort for less energy.
- Set your thermostat lower/higher when you can accept cooler/warmer conditions. This generally includes nighttime and whenever you leave your home for several hours. You may want to consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the thermostat based on your time-of-day instructions.
- Consider purchasing a new, high-efficiency appliance or water heater. If your appliance or water heater is nearing the end of its normal life span or has experienced problems in the past, a new high-efficiency unit can save you money.
- Schedule an energy audit for more expert advice on your home as a whole, or learn how to conduct your own by visiting the Home Energy Saver.
Consider your solar options
The District Department of Energy & Environment and EnergySage have partnered to help you power your home or business with solar, whether that's community solar or rooftop solar.
EnergySage offers valuable educational resources, calculators and marketplaces to help you learn about and shop for solar with confidence. These services are totally free and 100% online, no calls unless you want them.
Take a pledge
Reduce Energy Use DC is a new campaign from Pepco, the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility and others. Take the pledge and learn how to use energy more efficiently, take steps to reduce energy use at your home, and save money while helping fight climate change.
TAKE THE PLEDGE