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Home Peoples: An Essential Utilities Company

Ways to Save

Save on Your Energy Bill

As a Peoples customer, there are many ways to save money on energy while making your home more efficient. Below, we’ve provided tips and resources to help you lower your energy costs. 

Weatherizing Your Home for Year-Round Savings 

Proper weatherization can help you save energy and reduce costs, no matter the season. Here are practical tips to keep your home efficient and comfortable throughout the year: 

By following these seasonal tips, you can optimize your home’s energy use and enjoy significant savings all year long.  

Summer Weatherization Tips

  • Adjust Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 78°F when home, and raise it further when away for more than eight hours. Each degree of setback can save you about 1% on cooling costs.
  • Block Out the Sun: Keep shades or blinds closed to prevent unwanted heat, as sunny windows can account for 40% of excess heat, making your air conditioner work harder.
  • Clean Filters Regularly: Check and clean air conditioning filters monthly to ensure your system runs efficiently.
  • Use Ceiling Fans: Install ceiling fans and set them to blow downward (counter-clockwise) to create a cooling effect, reducing cooling costs by up to 25%.
  • Run Appliances at Night: Use heat-generating appliances like dishwashers and washers late in the evening to avoid adding extra heat during the day.
  • Wash with Cold Water: Save on water heating costs by using cold water for dishes and laundry.
  • Unplug Unused Equipment: Electronics and older appliances can consume energy and produce heat even when not in use. Unplug them to save energy.
  • Turn Off Lights: Switch off lights when leaving a room and replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). 

Winter Weatherization Tips

  • Seal Ductwork: Use foil-backed tape or silicone caulking to seal joints and intersections in ductwork. This prevents heated air from leaking into unconditioned spaces, reducing fuel usage by 2–15%.
  • Seal Air Leaks: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Weather-strip attic entryways, doors, and windows to prevent drafts and save up to 7–10% on fuel costs.
  • Insulate Your Home: Add insulation to attics, ceilings, and water pipes. Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket to reduce heat loss. Proper insulation can cut fuel usage by 20–30%.
  • Lower the Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 65–70°F during the day and 58°F at night or when away. Each degree of setback can save about 1% on heating costs.
  • Maintain Your Furnace: Change furnace filters monthly and schedule annual professional tune-ups. A clean, efficient furnace can save 2–5% on fuel costs.
  • Weather-Strip Doors and Windows: Inspect and seal gaps around doors and windows. Ensure garage doors and attic doors are tightly sealed.
  • Make Small Changes Indoors: Open blinds on sunny days to let in natural heat, and close them at night to retain warmth. Use a humidifier to maintain comfort at lower temperatures, and arrange furniture to avoid blocking heating vents.
  • Limit Door Traffic: Avoid opening and closing exterior doors unnecessarily to keep drafts out and maintain a warmer home. 

Energy Saving Appliances

Natural gas appliances are a smart investment for saving money, improving efficiency, and adding comfort to your home. With a stable and affordable supply of natural gas in the U.S., these appliances are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. You can sometimes convert your existing appliances to natural gas. For a safe and efficient upgrade, rely on a trained professional or contact us for guidance through the process. 

Here’s how they can help you save: 

Furnaces

Natural gas furnaces and boilers are up to 97% efficient, saving you around $200 annually compared to electric models. They provide consistent heat, cost less to operate, and are ideal for reducing energy use in your home’s largest energy-consuming system.

Water Heaters

Natural gas water heaters, including tankless models, offer lower operating costs and faster recovery times. They can save you up to $350 annually compared to electric water heaters and emit significantly less carbon dioxide, making them a greener choice.  

Gas Ranges and Ovens

Preferred by professional chefs, natural gas ranges heat instantly, distribute heat evenly, and save on operating costs compared to electric models. They also have longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs.

Clothes Dryers

Gas dryers are gentle on fabrics and provide better performance while being easier on your budget. 

Fireplaces

Natural gas fireplaces offer cozy warmth at the flip of a switch, without the hassle of wood or ashes. They can provide supplemental heat and light during power outages for as little as 30 cents per hour. 

Outdoor Appliances

  • Grills: Natural gas grills are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and always ready to use, even during power outages.
  • Fire Pits: Add ambiance to your outdoor space with smoke-free, affordable natural gas fire pits.
  • Patio Heaters: Safely warm your outdoor living area with efficient natural gas patio heaters.
  • Outdoor Lighting: Gas yard lights provide a warm glow, enhance safety, and don’t attract insects, making them perfect for outdoor spaces. 

Switching to natural gas appliances is a reliable way to save money, reduce energy use, and enjoy greater comfort in your home. 

For more info on lowering your bill, check out our high bill checklist.

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