At CAEC, we’re dedicated to helping our members save energy and reduce costs while maintaining comfort and convenience. Here are some practical, actionable tips to help you manage energy use effectively and keep your bills under control:

1. Focus on energy efficiency

• Seal air leaks: Inspect windows, doors and other spaces for drafts. Use weatherstripping, caulk or foam to seal leaks and prevent energy loss. Take advantage of our audit program to determine exact locations of air leaks.
• Upgrade insulation: Proper insulation in your attic, walls and floors can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Install energy-efficient windows: Double-pane or energy-efficient windows help maintain indoor temperatures year-round.

2. Optimize heating and cooling systems

• Use a programmable thermostat: Set your thermostat to adjust automatically when you’re asleep or away. For each degree you lower heating or raise cooling, you save on energy costs.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Clean filters and schedule annual checkups for HVAC systems to keep them running efficiently.
• Use ceiling fans wisely: In winter, reverse the fan direction to redirect warm air toward the floor; in summer, set fans to rotate counterclockwise for cooling.

3. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

• Look for ENERGY STAR® labels: Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and water heaters with ENERGY STAR certifications use less energy.
• Unplug unused devices: Even in standby mode, electronics draw power. Use power strips to turn off multiple devices at once.
• Consider heat pump water heaters: These use up to 60 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters.

4. Adjust daily habits

• Switch to LED lighting: LEDs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
• Dry clothes naturally: Take advantage of sunny days by air-drying clothes on a line.

5. Leverage cooperative programs

• Energy audits: We offer two styles of audits, the traditional in-person audit conducted by one of our Energy and Technology Consultants (ETC), as well as a virtual audit. Once the energy audit is performed, members will have the opportunity to correct issues in the home based on the ETC’s recommendation. The return on investment comes in the form of savings on your power bill due to reduced energy usage.
• Efficiency incentives: Take advantage of the numerous rebates, loans and discounts for energy-efficient appliances or upgrades.

CAEC is here to support you! Contact us for personalized energy-saving recommendations, programs and incentives to make your home more efficient and your energy bills more manageable.