Free Energy Surveys

KEYS is pleased to provide links to online tools and resources to help you better understand and manage your home energy use and costs.

Click here to complete a residential online energy survey in less than 5 minutes to help you understand your energy consumption and discover savings ideas.  Please be advised, the information provided within this audit report is just an estimate based on the data provided.

Some tips for a do-it-yourself home energy survey.

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By saving energy you can cut your household costs and help protect the environment at the same time. The recommendations below will start you on the road to saving. You can implement these simple, low-cost measures and practices yourself!

Cooling

• Clean or replace your air conditioner filters monthly.
• Set your home thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. Cooling your home can account for more than 50% of your utility bill. Each degree you lower your thermostat below 78 degrees add six to eight percent more to your cooling costs.
• Set your air conditioner fan to “Auto” and not “Fan.”
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat that will automatically set your thermostat back during the times that your home is unoccupied.
• Have your system serviced regularly to keep it in top operating condition.
• Caulk and weather-strip windows, doors and other openings to reduce drafts.
• Keep windows, doors and other openings closed and shaded when sun shines upon them.
• Shade all windows or glass doors from the outside with awnings, plants, blinds and overhangs to stop radiation of sun into your living area. Interior shading is not recommended because sun energy that has entered the house is heat that your air conditioner must overcome.
• Insulate your attic space in order to reduce convection of heat through the ceiling into the living area (attic space can be 15-30 degrees hotter than the ambient temperature).
• Install attic exhaust fans to remove hot air from attic space.

Water Heater

• Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees (check your owner’s manual for your dishwasher before lowering to make sure this setting is feasible). If you are needing a new water heater, click here (KEYS’ Rebate Program) to via available rebates.
• Install a hot water heater timer. This clock apparatus, turns off your water heater after your major usage period and then on again prior to when you will again require large amount of hot water.
  Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators to decrease the amount of hot water you use.
• Turn your water heater off if you leave for more than two days.

Appliances

• Consider energy efficiency when purchasing new appliances. Look for appliances labeled with the energy star logo. Click here (KEYS’ Rebate Program) to via available rebates.
• Turn off appliances, such as the TV, when they’re not being used.
• Wash and rinse clothes in cold water.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils regularly.
• Check seals on refrigerator and freezer door gaskets.
• Use electric pressure cookers (ie: Instapot) and microwave ovens to save energy and reduce cooking time. Consider grilling outside as an option when the weather permits.
• When you have a choice, use the range top rather than the oven.
• Turn off the dry cycle on your dishwasher.

Lighting

• Turn off lights in unused rooms.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp bulbs). Although they are initially more expensive, your savings in electricity costs will pay for the bulb in about a year. See table below.
• Remove unnecessary bulbs.
• Install photocells or motion detectors on outdoor security lights.

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View our YouTube Playlist of Energy Conservation Tips for the Home

View our YouTube Playlist of Energy Saving Tips