Home Energy Saving Tips

Breakout of how we typically use energy in our homes.
Source: 2005 Building Energy Data Book

Want to save money on your energy bills?
Here are some energy-saving tips for you!

• Heating & Insulation— By turning down your thermostat by 1 degree F, you can save 25-30 gallons of heating oil per year. That’s up to 3% of an average home's yearly consumption, or between $105-$128 per year at the current average rate of heating oil ($4.26/gallon). More Heating & Insulation Tips...
  
  
• Cooling— Save up to 3% on your cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. For example, raising it from 73 to 78 degrees can save up to 15% in cooling costs. More Cooling Tips…
  
  
• Appliances— Wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it's in an unheated area of your home. The blanket could save you up to 10% on water heating costs. More Appliance Tips…
  
  
• Lighting — CFLs can give the same amount and quality of light as incandescent bulbs, yet use one-third the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime compared to an incandescent bulb. More Lighting Tips...
  
  
• Other— Install energy-saving showerheads in your home. You'll reduce hot water use and cut water costs by 10% to 16% without affecting comfort. More Tips…

Efficiency Maine Energy Facts

• During 2003 – 2005, the Efficiency Maine Program saved home owners, schools, and businesses more than 121 million kilowatt hours (kWh) with a lifetime economic benefit to the state of $86.6 million.
• In 2006, Efficiency Maine saved more than 74 million kWh, which helped avert the production of more than 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a major pollutant contributing to global warming. These savings are equivalent to the annual electricity use of nearly 11,000 homes in Maine and the carbon pollution reduction of taking 7,624 cars off the road.

Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce electricity costs and improve Maine’s environment. It was created in 2002 by the Maine Legislature with the passing of “An Act to Strengthen Energy Conservation.” For more information on the annual report or energy efficiency, visit the PUC’s Efficiency Maine website at efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-ESMAINE.

Try Our Carbon Calculator
See for yourself how you can save energy and money just by using some of these tips in your home!

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Efficiency Maine    Public Utilities Commission    18 State House Station    Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Efficiency Maine is located at 242 State Street    1-866-376-2463    FAX:(207) 287-1039    TTY: (207) 287-3831