Fall Energy Tips

Defeat "phantom" energy charges.

Plugged-in devices still draw a small amount of electricity, even on standby or if turned off. Over time, these small “phantom” charges can add up. In fact, the average household spends $100-$200 a year on phantom energy costs! Spooky, right?

Use smart plugs and power strips to eliminate phantom energy costs throughout your home (e.g., computer desk, phone charger, gaming consoles, entertainment centers).

Replace old lightbulbs with LEDs.

Earlier evenings are on the way, so your lights may stay on longer. Replace your incandescent lightbulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) lightbulbs. LEDs are the most energy-efficient option for lighting, using at least 75% less energy and lasting up to 25x longer.

Start first with the lamps and fixtures you use the most. The upfront investment will pay for itself, plus more with the annual savings you’ll receive.

Seal air leaks around your home. 

Fix leaks around your doors and windows before the weather gets too cold. Even if your system works great, small leaks in your home lead to increased heating costs.

Using caulk, weatherstripping, and insulation to seal leaks can save you up to 20% on heating bills.

Replace or clean your HVAC and furnace filters.

Can't remember the last time you checked your system's filter? Here’s your sign. Old filters can cause your system to be inefficient and run longer.

 Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce an HVAC's energy consumption by up to 15%.

Use an electric blanket to bundle up.

Instead of cranking up the thermostat, consider bundling up with an electric blanket on chillier days and nights. Running your heating system 24/7 can be expensive, and even space heaters use a significant amount of electricity.

An electric blanket uses far less energy to operate and can help you save money on your electricity bill.

BONUS: Check out a Do-It-Yourself Toolkit.

Each of our toolkits comes with free dimmable LED lightbulbs, weather stripping, low-flow showerheads, and more, for you to install in your home. You can check one out at almost any Sonoma or Mendocino County Library branch for three weeks.

Source used for this blog: The U.S. Department of Energy.

Financial assistance is available.

You may be eligible for a reduced energy rate, bill payment assistance, financial support for home weatherization projects, or a payment forgiveness plan.

Financial assistance overview
Apply for CARE/FERA discount programs
Apply for the Medical Baseline Program
Apply for a payment forgiveness plan