Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

Use fans or ceiling fans instead of the central air conditioning unit when you plan to stay in one room for an extended period of time. Individual fans cost about 90% less to operate than central cooling systems.

Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).

Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F

Change your air filter regularly. An air conditioning unit with dirty filters can use 5 to 10 percent more energy than necessary.

If you have a refrigerator or freezer in the garage that is not full, consider getting rid of it. These appliances tend to be older and therefore less energy efficient, causing them to run continuously in very hot environments.

Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

Visit our rebates page to learn about rebates offered by TID for some of the above information.