The best way to lower your energy bills is to use less energy. Take the Energy-Saving Tour through the interactive house below to pick up tips for saving energy in every room in your home.
To take the Energy-Saving Tour click on the image below.
More low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy
- Maintain your heating system
- Turn down your thermostat
- Turn down water heater setting
- Make windows work for you
- Stop drafts with caulking and weather stripping
- Stay cool in warm weather
- Keep warm in winter
- Showerheads/faucets
- Washer/dryer
70-80% of a typical home's natural gas use is for heating and cooling. Use your energy dollars wisely with these tips:
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Change or clean furnace filters once a month during heating season.
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Have your furnace or boiler tuned by a qualified technician once a year to help improve your system’s operating efficiency and help prevent breakdowns.
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If you have an old heating system, consider replacing it with a high efficiency system. The more of an efficiency upgrade you make, the more energy savings you will see on your heating bills.
The easiest and most economical way to cut energy costs is to adjust your thermostat.
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Set thermostats between 65° and 70° during the winter, and to 58° when away from the house for four or more hours. For homes with elderly people or children, warmer temperatures are recommended.
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For greater temperature control, use a programmable or setback thermostat.
Turning down water heater setting
The water heater accounts for approximately 15% of the average household's energy use. Using it wisely can save you money.
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To lower energy cost without sacrificing comfort, set water heater temperature to 120°.
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Natural gas water heaters fact sheet (PDF)*
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On sunny days, open draperies and blinds to let in the sun's warmth. During the summer, draw drapes and blinds to prevent solar heat gain.
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Close draperies and blinds at night to insulate against cold air outside.
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If you have storm windows, be sure they are installed during heating season.
Stop drafts and air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping
By adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you can have a significant impact on your energy bills.
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Guard against heat loss by sealing leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes and ducts.
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After you have caulked and sealed bypasses, adding insulation can help you reduce energy use and save on future fuel bills.
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Be sure attics have recommended levels of insulation.
Visit our Weatherize and Ventilate section for information on sealing your home, insulating, and ventilating.
Cooling system
Central (split systems)
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Clean or replace filters once a month or as needed.
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Do not block return air grills.
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Close window coverings during the day to prevent solar heat gain.
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Have your air conditioning system checked annually by a qualified professional to ensure peak cooling performance.
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When purchasing new air conditioning equipment, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The higher the SEER – the more efficient the unit.
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Make sure the outdoor unit (condenser) is properly matched with the indoor unit (evaporator).
Window units
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Install your window air conditioner on the north or shady side of the house.
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Seal gaps around the air conditioner to keep summer heat from entering and winter warmth from leaving your home.
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In the fall, use an air conditioner cover and/or styrofoam insulation to cover the outside of the unit. This will prevent heat from escaping through the unit during the winter months.
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Change or clean filters when dirty.
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When purchasing a window unit, look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the EER – the more efficient the unit.
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If you can, vacuum the coils and cooling fins on the outside of the air conditioner. Note: Be sure to turn off your air conditioner before cleaning it.
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Keep drapes or furniture away from your air conditioner, allowing the air to flow freely.
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Avoid cooling an empty house. Install a programmable/setback thermostat for central air conditioners or a timer designed for room air conditioners.
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Avoid cooling rooms that you don’t use often.
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Use extra fans to improve the circulation of your air conditioner.
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Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
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Keep hot and cold air registers free of dust and do not block with carpet or furniture.
Showerheads/faucets
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Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
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Repair leaky faucets. A leak that fills a coffee cup in 10 minutes wastes 3,280 gallons of water a year.
Washer/dryer
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Run washing machines and clothes dryers with full loads only.
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Replace old, outdated appliances with high efficiency models.
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For more information about saving energy at home, visit the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources State Energy Office.
