Energy Saving Tips

Total electricity used (kilowatt-hours) is the largest factor on your electric bill. Heating and cooling typically have the greatest impact on a home's electricity use, and the hotter it gets, the harder a cooling unit has to work to maintain indoor temperature. Think of it like riding a bike uphill (90 degrees F) versus flat land (70 degrees F). You're still pedaling at the same pace, but it takes more effort. In extreme temperatures, even if your thermostat setting hasn't changed, the amount of electricity needed to maintain that setting does.

Thermostat Setting: In the summer, experts suggest setting the thermostat to 76-78 degrees. Avoid placing electronics or lighting that can produce heat near your thermostat, as this could cause it to work excessively. A programmable, smart thermostat can make it easy to keep your house at the recommended seasonal temperature when you’re at home, while automatically adjusting the thermostat to turn up or down a few degrees when you leave or go to sleep.

• *Low Cost* - In partnership with TVA EnergyRight, NES customers can earn up to $100 in their first year when they sign up for the Smart Thermostat Rewards program! Depending on your preference, you can receive $20-$65 annually each year you participate. Enroll Today

Ceiling Fans: Use a ceiling fan to regulate the “feels like” temperature instead of adjusting your thermostat. *Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, ceiling fans cool people and not air. A ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise in the summer.

Air Flow: Move any furniture or other large objects that are blocking the vents in your home. 

Regardless of the season, the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your heating and cooling costs will be

Warm air can enter your home through open garage doors and cracks around windows and doors. Simultaneously, these gaps in your home's envelope can allow cool air to escape. Windows without any blinds or curtains can heat up rooms, causing the A/C unit to work harder. 

Block the Sun: Close curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home to block out heat. Open them on the shady side of the house for a free light source.

Keep Outdoor Air Out: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal leaky windows and exterior doors. If you can see light around your door threshold or feel cold air seeping through your windows, you’re losing energy and reducing your home's comfort.

•  *Low Cost* - In partnership with TVA EnergyRight, NES customers can receive a rebate for air sealing. See Details

Close Unneccesary Entry Points: Keep your garage door closed as much as possible. Check that the fireplace damper is closed when not in use.

The largest contributor to your electricity bill is likely the heating and cooling system(s). Maintaining your HVAC (A/C) is important to make sure the system runs efficiently and effectively.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your outside unit free of debris, grass clippings, or mud. Dirty A/C coils can reduce the cooling effect and cause the unit to overwork.

Service Your A/C: Get your HVAC system serviced by a reputable, professional contractor every year, including checks of refrigerant levels, the compressor, hoses, ductwork, and thermostat.

• *Low Cost* - In partnership with TVA EnergyRight, NES customers can receive a rebate for a tune-up for their existing central A/C system. See Details

Replace Air Filters Regularly: Check your home's air filters monthly and replace them as needed to prevent your A/C from overworking due to restricted airflow. Filters come in a variety of sizes; it is important to use the correct filter size for it to keep dust out of your home. 

Refrigerator: Set your refrigerator at 40 degrees and let food cool before putting it in the refrigerator. Hot foods will raise the temperature in the fridge and make it work harder.

Oven: Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day. When possible, use a microwave, toaster oven, or grill outside instead. Additionally, every time you open the door, the oven’s temperature drops about 25-30 degrees, and more energy is used to reheat it to the right temperature and cool your home. Use the oven light instead.

Stovetop: Sizing pots to the right stovetop burner can make a big difference. A six-inch pot on an eight-inch burner wastes over 40 percent of the burner’s heat. Also, covering pots and pans reduces heat loss and allows food to cook more efficiently.

Washing Machine: Wash full loads of clothes and use cold water when possible. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching from hot to warm can cut your load’s energy use in half. If you have a front-loading washer or high-efficiency top-loader, use detergent labeled for high-efficiency machines.

Dryer: Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt to air dry clothing outside or on a drying rack when temperatures are favorable.

Dishwaher: Avoid using the oven during the hottest parts of the day. Run the dishwasher when it’s completely full.

Electronics: Most electronics never turn off; instead, they enter standby mode and continue to draw electricity. Eliminate "phantom" electric load by using a power strip for your computer monitors, gaming consoles, cable boxes, DVRs, chargers, and other electronics, so they are completely disconnected from the power source. 

• In partnership with TVA EnergyRight, NES customers can compare and find the best prices on the most efficient options. Explore top-rated energy-efficient appliances and electronics at the EnergyRight Marketplace. Energy Star certified products to save money on your energy bill.
Smaller Appliances: Before you leave for the day, make it a habit to unplug all unnecessary appliances, including the coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven, hair dryer, curling iron, etc. Left plugged into the wall, smaller appliances can still drain electricity.

After your HVAC system, the water heater is typically the second largest factor contributing to your electricity bill.

Temperature Setting: Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees to prevent scaling and save electricity. 

Insulate the Tank: If you have an older tank in an unheated area, wrapping it with a water heater insulation blanket is an affordable, easy way to reduce water-heating costs.

Reduce Water Use: Reduce your hot water use by taking shorter showers instead of baths. Using colder water with full loads of laundry. 

Vacation Mode: If you're planning to be away for more than a few days, consider switching the water heater into vacation mode or turning it off to save electricity while you're not home. 

There’s nothing better than cozying up to a warm fire during the winter months, but make sure to keep an eye on your chimney. It can act like an open window when the fireplace is not in use. Close the damper after the fire is completely out so you don’t lose your heated air. If you never use your fireplace, consider plugging and sealing the chimney flue.

The proper amount of attic and wall insulation can make a huge difference on your monthly bill. While adding or upgrading insulation in your home can be a larger upfront investment, but if you are able to, the savings and comfort each month are noticeable. Your heating and cooling system will work less to deliver the same results!

Newer air conditioners can be more efficient and reduce your cooling costs. In some cases, it may be more efficient to add a mini split to a room in your home. TVA EnergyRight has a Quality Contractor Network to guide you on the best next steps for your heating and cooling needs.