Energy Saving Tips

The following energy tips are intended to help you better understand your energy use so you can increase your energy efficiency and decrease your energy costs. If you have questions on these topics or would like to suggest additional topics, call 888-393-1500 or e-mail us at info@westriver.com. Your input is always appreciated.

Go to this link of Home Energy Savings for Grat Tips

• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120F). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands.
• Check if your water heater has an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket pays for itself in one year or less!
• Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
• Replace your incandescent lights with compact fluorescents. These lamps can save up to 75 percent of the electricity used by incandescent.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators as needed.
• Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Even if the appliance has a few useful years left, replacing it with a top-efficiency model is generally a good investment.
• Check for open fireplace dampers.
• Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine if replacements are justified, or whether you should retrofit them to make them work more efficiently to provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.
• Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.
• Install a clock thermostat to set your thermostat back automatically at night.
• Insulate. If your walls aren't insulated, have an insulation contractor blow cellulose into the walls. Bring your attic insulation up to appropriate levels.
• Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with weather-stripping and storm windows.
• Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side.
• Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home.
• Clean or replace furnace, air conditioner and heat pump filters.
• The Power is in Your Hands to tackle high energy costs. Visit the Alliance to Save Energy website and start saving money and energy now.