According to the Department of Energy, you can enjoy substantial savings on heating and cooling bills by simply adjusting your thermostat from its normal settings.¹

• During Winter or Colder Weather: Set your thermostat to heat your home at 68°F or cooler while you're home. Lower it to 65°F or below when you're sleeping or away.
• During Summer or Warmer Weather: Set your thermostat to 78°F or the highest comfortable temperature while you're home. Increase it to 82°F when you’re away.

Unless you’re heating and cooling your home with a heat pump, electric resistance heating, steam heat, or radiant floor heating, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule. A programmable thermostat lets you manually pre-determine a temperature change schedule while a smart thermostat automatically adjusts temperatures based on your habits and presence, often providing more flexibility and energy efficiency through features like geofencing and remote control via your smartphone app.

A clean filter is crucial for HVAC efficiency. Replace or clean your air filter every three months depending on the dust levels in your home, pets, and filter type. Regular maintenance helps prevent your system from working harder than it needs to, saving energy and reducing costs.

Ceiling fans use less energy than AC. By creating a wind-chill effect, fans make you feel cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room.

People tend to take longer showers in colder weather, increasing water heating costs. But no matter what the weather, you can reduce your hot water usage which can lead to significant energy savings.

• Fix leaks promptly – A leaky hot water faucet wastes both water and energy.
• Install low-flow showerheads to reduce the amount of hot water usage.
• Wash clothes in cold water, and only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

Implementing these simple hacks could help you lower your electricity bill and maximize the benefits of your residential solar system. Not only can you save energy, you'll also contribute to a more sustainable future.

¹Department of Energy, “Energy Saver: Programmable Thermostats,” energy.gov.