Bill Saving Tips

Changes in personal usage patterns, weather conditions, and faulty equipment can all lead to high utility bills. The checklist below shows some common causes of high consumption. Also, refer to our "do-it-yourself" home energy audit at the bottom of this page or the Department of Energy's website at for advice on conserving energy.

Causes of High Consumption can include:

Water/Sewer

• Leaking faucet or toilet.
• Leak in your service line (a 1/16" hole can waste up to 24,000 gallons per month)
• Water heater P&T valve failure (gas or electric usage should also be high)
• Water heater leaking (gas or electric usage should also be high)
• Lawn watering during hot weather
• Filling a swimming pool (we will adjust off any associated sewer charges)

Natural Gas

• Water heater P&T valve failure (water usage should also be high)
• Water heater leaking (water usage should also be high)
• Cold weather
• Poor building insulation
• Thermostat set above 68 degrees

Electricity

• Water heater P&T valve failure (water usage should also be high)
• Water heater leaking (water usage should also be high)
• Air conditioner not cycling properly due to low refrigerant
• Heat pump stuck in defrost cycle during the winter
• Hot weather
• Poor building insulation
• Thermostat set below 78 degrees

Highlights areas in your home that might have a negative impact on your utility costs.

A. Heating & Cooling

1. Is your ductwork tight with no leaks? Use duct tape to repair any gaps or loose fittings.
2. Do you change your air filters once each month? This simple procedure will maximize efficiency.
3. Is your outdoor unit clean and unobstructed? Use a hose to wash out any dirt or debris.
4. Does your unit run continuously indicating a possible problem, or does it cycle off-and-on properly?
5. Has your heating/cooling unit been serviced during the past 12 months?

B. Living Areas

1. Attic insulation should be at least 9 inches deep for maximum energy savings.
2. Crawl spaces should have 6 inches of insulation installed between floor joists.
3. Windows and window panes should be airtight. Storm windows help increase energy savings.
4. Outside doors should close snug with no gaps. Use weather-stripping to correct any problems.
5. Use roof turbines or ridge vents to cool your attic in the summer. Cover turbines in the winter.
6. Crawl spaces should be sealed off or underpinned in the winter and properly vented in the summer.
7. Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
8. Plant deciduous trees on the South and West sides of your home to control sunlight.

C. Energy Use Habits

1. It is recommended that you set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 degrees or higher in the summer.
2. Do you turn off lights when you leave a room?
3. Keep blinds and drapes open in the winter to let sun in but closed in the summer to reduce heat gain.
4. Wait until your dishwasher or clothes washer is full before running.
5. Use cold water rather than hot water whenever possible.
6. Use gas appliances rather than electric to reduce operating costs.
7. Repair leaky faucets and toilets. A 1/16 inch diameter leak can waste up to 24,000 gallons of water each month!
8. Have you noticed wet spots near your water service line? Have them checked by a plumber.