Ways to Save Energy in Pennsylvania

Heating and cooling account for a big part of your energy bill—but small changes in each area of your home can make a difference. Here’s how to save energy room by room, no matter the season.

Living Spaces and Bedrooms

• Adjust your thermostat. Set it a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer to reduce energy use.

• Use ceiling fans wisely. Run them counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter to improve airflow.

• Close off unused rooms. Shut doors and vents to avoid heating or cooling empty spaces.

Kitchen

• Cook efficiently. Use microwaves, toaster ovens, slow cookers or air fryers instead of the oven when you can. Air fryers use less energy than ovens due to smaller size, faster cooking times, and minimal preheating.

• Keep the oven door closed. Heat escapes each time you open it, extending cooking time.

• Run full dishwasher loads. Use the eco or air-dry setting to reduce energy use

Utility and Storage Areas

• Insulate your attic. Good insulation keeps heat in during winter and out during summer.

• Replace HVAC filters regularly. Clean filters help your system run efficiently and use less energy.

• Lower your water heater temperature. Set it to 120°F to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

• Fix leaks promptly. A dripping faucet or running toilet wastes water and energy.

• Use cold water when possible. Washing clothes in cold water reduces hot water use and saves energy.

Laundry Room

• Dry full loads of laundry. It’s more efficient than running multiple small loads.

• Clean the lint filter after every load. This helps your dryer run more efficiently.

• Use a gas dryer if available. It often costs less to operate than electric models.

• Air-dry when you can. Hanging clothes outside or on a drying rack saves energy.

If your business uses natural gas for heating or hot water, small changes can lead to big savings:

• Use programmable thermostats. Automatically lower temperatures during closed hours to reduce heating costs.

• Seal windows and doors. Prevent warm air from escaping and reduce the load on gas heating systems.

• Maintain your heating equipment. Schedule regular service for furnaces or boilers to keep them running efficiently.

• Insulate water heaters and pipes. Retain heat and reduce how often your gas water heater needs to cycle on.

• Close off unused areas. Avoid heating storage rooms or sections of your building that don’t need it.

These steps can lower your gas bill and help your business stay energy-smart all year long.