TIPS, REBATES & MORE TO HELP YOU SAVE ENERGY, MONEY AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

THE HOME DEPOT Find more cool ways to save at The Home Depot, on energy efficient appliances, lighting, air conditioners, programable thermostats, weatherstripping, and so much more!  Click here to find The Home Depot location nearest you.   ENERGY SAVING TIPS     REBATES SMUD rebates and financing are available on a variety of energy efficient products. The more you upgrade, the more you'll save! Click here for more information.

• Set the thermostat on your air conditioner at 78 degrees when you are at home and at 85 degrees at night or when you are away from home.
• During the summer, close the drapes on sunny days to keep out the sun’s heat.
• Check your air filters monthly -- dirty air filters can lower your cooling capacity and use more energy.
• Have your heating and cooling system serviced every year or two to ensure long-lasting performance.
• The average home loses 20 percent of its heating/cooling through cracked or leaky ducts. SMUD contractors can diagnose the integrity of your home's central system. more

Appliances

• Refrigerators are one of the largest energy consumers in a home. Maintain its efficiency by cleaning the coils at the back or bottom of the unit.
• Choose an ENERGY STAR® model when shopping for a new fridge.
• An old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer could be costing you up to $125 a year in energy costs. SMUD will pay you $35 to recycle it and will even pick it up. more
• Run major appliances before 4pm or after 7pm to help reduce peak demand on hot summer days.

Ceiling fans

• Ceiling fans and other fans create air movement that makes you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, allowing you set the A/C thermostat higher and save energy.
• Turn off fans when you leave the room.
• Replace your ceiling fan's incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) -- they emit less heat and use a fraction of the electricity.

Electronics

• Purchase electronic equipment with the ENERGY STAR® label -- they use15-40% less energy. more
• Most electronic equipment and chargers draw standby power even when turned "off" Unplug these "energy vampires" or turn them off at the power strip when not in use.

Lighting

• CFLs use up to 75% less energy, last 7-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Changing four lights in your most frequently used fixtures can save $120 over the life of the bulbs. more
• Use a timer to efficiently and conveniently turn on and off your outdoor lighting.
• For security lighting, motion detectors are a proven deterrent and save energy too.