SDG&E End-of-Year Energy Savings Tips for Your Home

As the seasons change, so can your energy use. From weather-stripping windows to lowering the temperature on your water heater, these smart and simple tips can help keep your family cozy and your energy costs low. Find ways to save on your energy bill with these timely tips:

• Weather-strip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep the cold at bay. The fall chill can seep in under doors, around windows, and even through electrical outlets, baseboards, and AC units.

• During mid-day, open window coverings to let in the sun's heat and close them at night to block the cold.

• Take advantage of SDG&E's instant instore rebates for up to $500 on new electric heat pump water heaters and gas water heaters. This can save a lot on your water-heating costs every year. Learn more at sdge.com/rebates.

• If the holidays are putting a strain on your budget, SDG&E offers payment plans, bill discounts, and assistance programs for those who qualify. Learn more at sdge.com/assistance.

• Switch your ceiling fan's blade rotation direction to save on your fall heating bill. Hot air rises, so reverse your fan's blades to a clockwise rotation to help push that warmth back down to you.

• Use your exhaust fans less often. Your bathroom fans and oven hoods are often-overlooked sources of heat loss during the fall season. Use them sparingly and turn them off when not in use to ensure your home's warmth isn't being pulled away.

• Lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees while you sleep at night or are away from home can help save approximately 10% on your heating bills. A smart thermostat can be programmed based on when you are usually home or away and at the temperature you prefer during those times.

• Many people continuously use technology at home for work and entertainment, especially as we spend more time indoors during colder weather. Using the energy saver mode on your devices and appliances can go a long way toward reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.

• Lowering the temperature on your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can potentially save you up to $400 a year - and you won't notice the difference.

• Install ENERGY STAR® certified light bulbs, which use 70 - 90% less energy and last 10 - 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

• Use warm water instead of hot water to cut a load of laundry's energy use in half; using cold water will save even more.

• Check your furnace filter as dirty air filters can increase energy costs.

• Wrap old water heaters with proper insulating jackets and set the temperature to 120° F (or lower). You can also insulate your plumbing to reduce heat loss and raise the water temperature.

• Use the delay start button on your dishwater and washing machine to run outside of the on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Learn more energy savings tips and available resources at sdge.com/winter.