2120 Milvia Street, 2nd Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
TEL: (510) 981-7439, TDD: (510) 981-7474
Office Hours: Mon-  Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Email: Energy@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Low-Cost and No-Cost Measures

Here are some ways to begin saving energy and money immediately  

Low-Cost Measures to Save Money

No-Cost Ways to Save Money

Remodeling?

Low Cost Measures 

• Replace incandescent bulbs with high-quality compact fluorescent bulbs. These can save you $40 in energy costs over the life of the bulb (about 10,000 hours).  Hate fluorescent bulbs?  

•  Insulate your hot water heater, especially if it is outside your home or in a basement.  

• Insulate your attic; use at least R-30 rated material (fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam, etc.) with a vapor barrier such as paper or foil.  If you have an older home with knob-and-tube wiring in the attic space, hire a professional to avoid fire hazards. Do not block the eaves of your roof; these openings are needed for proper ventilation of your roof.

• If you have heating ducts in your attic or crawl space, insulate those as well.

• Insulate all hot water pipes where they are exposed; also insulate the first three feet of the cold water pipe where it enters your hot water tank.  Heat is constantly lost through this pipe from your hot water tank; insulating it will retain the heat and save money.

• If your home has a crawl space, insulate the underside of your floors and any pipes.

• Close or seal any openings in the walls and around windows, doors, electrical outlets and plumbing.

• Weatherstrip doors and install a threshold and door shoe on main doors.  Install a door sweep on less frequently used doors.

• Block off your chimney flue or install a damper.

• Replace the air filter on your furnace regularly; at least once per heating season. Do NOT simply reverse the filter; this will blow debris into your heating system and your home.

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes and hose bibs; this will save both water and energy. Leaky pipes can dampen insulation and negate its insulating value; dampness can also attract termites and other wood-eating pests.

• Install a flow control on your showerheads and install aerators on other faucets.

• Replace worn or loose refrigerator gaskets; if you have an older model, consider buying a new energy-efficient model which will immediately save you money in energy costs. Check out the EnergyStar guide for products.

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 Free Ways to Save Money and the Environment 

• Turn 3-way bulbs to lowest settings; compact fluorescent lamps come in 3-way models for even greater savings.

• Reduce cooking time and energy by using shiny metal reflector rings under your stove's burners.  While black might look sleek and modern, it actually draws the head down from the flame or burner units, making the entire stovetop hotter and increasing your cooking time.  If you can't find white or chrome reflectors to fit your stove, cover the black reflectors with aluminum foil, shiny side up.  This will also make the stove easier to clean.

• Peak energy uses are from 6 am to 8 am, and again from 4 pm until 7 pm.  Avoid using appliances during these times, as electricity is generally dirtier then.

• Opening your oven door to check food releases 25% of the heat. Use a timer when cooking to save energy and reduce cooking time.

• Allow dishes to air dry in the dishwasher.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer filled with bottles of water.  These will keep your refrigerator from running as often, and also provide you with fresh water during an emergency.

•  Appliances—turn off computers, monitors, printers, lights, televisions, and stereos when not in use.  Unlike earlier models of computers, newer ones will last longer if turned off when not in use, sparing the fan motor from early burnout.   This suggestion alone may make the biggest difference in your total home electricity costs.  Also note that many appliances, such as televisions, do not turn completely off unless they are unplugged or turned off using a power switch.  Use an extension cord with a "kill switch" to cut the power to these types of appliances. Check the EnergyStar rating when buying any new appliance.

• Reduce your thermostat setting to 65-68 degrees F. in winter, and increase air conditioning setting to 80F. in summer.

• Use layers of draperies to reduce the cold wall effect of glass; in hot seasons, use drapes and shades to prevent the sun from overheating rooms in the daytime.

• In cold weather; open draperies on sunny days to capture solar heat.

• Reduce hot water temperature to 115-120 F. 

• Clean lint filters in your dryer before each load; use a solar dryer (clothesline) on sunny days.

• Use cold wash settings instead of hot water-- most modern fabrics don't need hot water to get clean.

• Dust or vacuum radiators frequently. Dust and grime block the flow of heat into the room and can actually insulate the heat AWAY from the room.

• Take showers instead of baths.  They use much less hot water, especially if you use a water-efficient showerhead.  Excellent models are available free from EBMUD.

• Carpeting and rugs can help trap a layer of air, and will feel warmer to walk on.  Keep the pile fluffed up by frequent vacuuming to trap more air. This also improves your indoor air quality.

• In cold weather, wear two or more layers of thin clothing rather than one heavy layer.  It is the trapped air between each layer that keeps you warm.  Plus, you can add or remove layers to adjust to your personal comfort level as your activity level changes during the day.

• Several light blankets will keep you warmer than one heavy blanket.

• Your body loses more heat through your extremities, especially your head.  Wear a cap and warm socks; you will feel more comfortable if your feet are warm.

• Don't use a fireplace or non-airtight stove for heating.  The fire inside requires air for combustion, so it will first use the heated air inside your home, and then create drafts which bring in cold air.  Use your home heating system for heat.

For more information, connect to:

• Department of Energy

• Re Building Together (chart compares your investment to your savings)

Financial assistance information

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

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Updated June 7, 2006

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