5 ways to help shrink your energy bill from APS
1. Caulk and seal air leaks. Buy a few cans of Great Stuff and seal penetrations into your home from:
Plumbing lines, Electricity wires, Recessed lighting, Windows, Crawlspaces, Attics
Savings: Up to $220/year, per U.S. EPA
2. Hire an HVAC contractor to take a hard look at all your ductwork — are there any ducts leaking that need to be resealed?
Savings: Up to $330/year, for duct sealing and tune up, per DOE
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
Savings: Up to $180/year, per EPA
4. Replace all your light bulbs with LEDs or CFLs.
Savings: $75/year by replacing your five most frequently-used bulbs with Energy Star-rated models, says EPA.
5. Reduce the temperature on your water heater. Set your tank heater to 120 degrees — not the 140 degrees most are set to out of the box. Dropping 20 degrees could save 6% to 10% on your annual water heating costs, which are 14% to 18% of your utility bills. Also wrap an older water heater and the hot water pipes in insulating material to save on heat loss.
Savings: $18 to $39/year
