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Energy Efficiency Rebates
for your home.
 Storm Tips
Keep your family safe during a storm. Learn what to do when a storm hits, if your power goes out, and what to do if the power lines are down. More.
 SolarSharesSM
Now solar energy is available and affordable for everyone! SMUD's SolarShares was recently awarded a 2008 Solar Business Achievement Award by the Solar Electric Power Association. You can be part of this innovative program. Sign up for SolarSharesSM today and get clean power from the sun.
 Online Energy Analysis
Save energy, save money, and protect the environment with SMUD’s free Online Energy Analysis. Discover how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and use the custom calculators to walk you through every step.
| Energy-Efficiency Tips: Ways you can save energy and money. |
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
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.
Equipment
- Set your A/C thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer. You'll save 5 to 10% on your cooling costs for every two degrees you raise it.
- When your home is unoccupied, set the A/C thermostat at 85 degrees.
- 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
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.
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