Energy Saving Tips for Renters

Winter Energy Saving Tips

• Set thermostats at 68 or below if possible. (every degree you can lower your thermostat will save around 3% on your heating costs)
• Use rolled up towels or draft stoppers at the base of exterior doors to prevent air infiltration and heat loss
• Remove window air conditioners before winter
• Run a humidifier. This will help heat remain in the home and increase comfort
• Caulk any holes into the home as well as around the inside and outside of doors and windows to reduce air infiltration
• Install gaskets behind wall switches and outlets
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Cover or close crawl space vents
• Only use space heaters when needed
• Close fireplace and wood stove dampers when not in use (be sure all embers are out)
• Open blinds during the day. The sun will help heat up the home.  Close them at night to help keep heat in
• Put plastic over the windows as this will help keep heat in
• Use ceiling fans to push down warm air
• Wear sweatpants and sweatshirts to keep you warm and allow the thermostat to be set lower
• Use rugs on bare floors to retain heat
• During the holiday season decorate without lights or use LED Christmas lights

Summer Energy Saving Tips

• Cook (BBQ) outside to keep extra heat out of your home
• Wear shorts and t-shirts to keep cool
• Set your thermostat at 75 or above, every degree higher will help you save
• Use fans to circulate air
• Open windows at night when the air is cooler
• Open crawl space vents to allow air flow
• Use blinds or drapes to block the sun, keeping the heat out
• Close off rooms you’re not using

Year Round Saving Tips

• Use low flow shower heads
• Replace furnace filters regularly (check monthly)
• Unplug / turn off electronics and appliances when not in use. (An unused refrigerator in your garage can consume $30—$100 in electricity annually)
• Use energy saver options on appliances if available
• Hang clothes to dry when possible
• Only wash full loads of clothes & dishes
• Get any leaking faucets fixed
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Turn down water heater to 120 degrees
• Turn lights off whenever possible or install LED light bulbs
• Keep supply and return vents uncovered
• Use the same size pot as burner
• Use a microwave or toaster oven when possible
• Clean the lint trap on your dryer after every use
• Use timers or sensor on security lights
• Keep freezers full (freezers with only a few items have to work harder)
• Be aware of outside plug loads (block heaters, RVs, space heaters, compressors, trough heaters, animal heat lamps)
• Sign up for SmartHub to monitor your energy usage
• If available,  program your thermostat to set back when you are away
• Dust off dirty light bulbs for better light and ability to use smaller bulbs
• Teach family members how they can help save energy
• If available program your thermostat to set back when you're away
• Dust off dirty light bulbs for better lights and ability to use smaller bulbs

Low Income Energy Efficiency Program

We offer an energy effiency program specifically designed for low income families to use on weatherization projects, and ductless heat pumps for your home.

For more information, contact one of our Energy Efficiency Advisors at (509) 582-1234 to see if you qualify and also set up a home audit to determine what measures you may be eligible for that fit your needs.

SmartHub

You can use SmartHub® to monitor your hourly or monthly usage. SmartHub® can be accessed here or through the SmartHub® app. 

The SmartHub® app is available through the App Store or Google Play.  The app makes it easy and convenient to access account information, make payments, set up alerts and more.  Download the FREE SmartHub® app for your smart phone or tablet today and follow the prompts to enroll in SmartHub®.

Rebates

Additional ways to save money on your power bill include installing more efficient equipment in your residence. 
We offer rebates for clothes washers and dryers, heat pump water heaters and weatherization such as insulation, windows and doors as well as heat pumps and duct sealing.  

Your landlord may be interested in these rebates too if they have future plans to replace or upgrade these items. Our website has a list of our rebates and the process of how to obtain a rebate can be found online.