Together We Save

Save Energy, Save Money

Find out how the little changes add up at TogetherWeSave.com

Designed to inspire consumers to easily save energy by saving them money, TogetherWeSave.com is filled with tips to help members becoming more energy efficient.

The site features more than a dozen energy-efficiency interactive web applications linked to a virtual home tour, all designed to encourage co-op members throughout the country to take energy-saving actions now. The site also includes Touchstone Energy TV, showcasing energy-efficiency videos; and the Energy Saving Forum, where members can post their own energy saving success stories and learn more information on how they can lower their energy bill.

Other Money Saving Programs

Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Air Infiltration

  • Tighten and weather-strip old windows and then add storm windows.
  • Seal around pipe penetration coming through walls.
  • When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.
  • Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weather stripped.
  • Whole-house attic fans should be sealed tightly during the winter.

Water Heaters

  • Make sure your water heater is set at the lowest point. Try setting it to 120º.
  • Try washing clothes with warm water and rinsing with cold water.
  • Overfilling your washer can increase your energy use.
  • If your water heater is located in an unconditioned space, install a thermal wrap around it. Take care to install it in accordance with the tank and wrap manufacturers' instructions.

Dryers

  • Don't over-dry your clothes. If 50 minutes works, don't set it to 70 minutes.
  • Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
  • Periodically check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is still tightly connected and not kinked.

Refrigeration

  • Make sure refrigerator and freezer seals fit tightly when doors close.
  • Keep outside coils clean. Dirty coils make your refrigerator compressor work longer to remove heat.
  • Setting your freezer below 0º uses extra energy.
  • Setting your refrigerator below 37º uses extra energy.

Heating & Air Conditioning

  • Try to keep your thermostat at 68º in the winter and 75º in the summer.
  • Heating & cooling systems should be checked to verify they are moving the correct amount of air. An HVAC technician can tell you if it is.
  • Heat pump and air conditioning systems should be checked annually to verify they are properly charged, strictly in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
  • Inside and outside coils should be kept clean and free of debris.
  • Gas furnaces should be tuned for maximum combustion efficiency.
  • Return filters should be changed monthly.
  • Have an HVAC technician check carefully for duct leaks. Leaks that are found should be sealed with fiberglass mesh and mastic sealant.

Lighting

  • Don't leave on unnecessary lights
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. They use a fraction of the wattage, last much longer and give off less heat.
  • When you finish cooking, turn off the kitchen lighting and the range exhaust fan.

 

For more information on energy efficiency, visit:

www.energystar.gov

www.doe.gov/