Help your furnace breathe | Check the air filters of your electric furnace every month. By replacing dirty filters, you'll improve your air quality as well as save energy. Buying multi-packs of filters is a good way to be sure that you have one on hand when you need it.
Savings: up to 105 kWh* per winter bill, about $66 each winter
Cost: $5-$20 per filter (depending on type)
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Upgrade to an electronic thermostat | Installing an electronic thermostat(s) makes it easier to be sure that your home is heated efficiently. The thermostat can automatically change the temperature based on the schedule and settings that you create. Newer "smart" thermostats set the temperature automatically based on your behaviors; they usually can be programmed by a smartphone app.
Savings: up to 118 kWh* per winter bill, about $73 each winter
Cost: $20-$250 (depending on the type of thermostat)
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Insulate outlets and light switches | You can lose 2% of your home’s heat through uninsulated outlets and light switches on exterior walls. Insulate them with foam gaskets, available at most home improvement and hardware stores, and you’ll reduce drafts and save energy.
Savings: up to 23 kWh* per winter bill, about $14 each winter
Cost: $1 per outlet/switch
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Add caulk or weatherstripping to windows and doors | Adding or repairing the weather-stripping on your windows and doors can significantly reduce heat loss and drafts. This is an excellent do-it-yourself project using supplies from a local hardware store.
Savings: up to 210 kWh* per winter bill, about $131 each winter
Cost: $1 per window / $10 per door
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. Up to 330 kWh for apartments/condos. |
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Install storm windows | If you have single pane, or older inefficient double pane, windows you can reduce heat loss with storm windows or plastic. You can also use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
Savings: up to 210 kWh* per winter bill, about $131 each winter
Cost: varies
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Seal your ductwork | Poorly sealed and uninsulated ducts in unconditioned space can lose 15-30% of your heated or cooled air before it even gets to the register. Sealing your ductwork prevents conditioned air (warmed or cooled) from escaping. Sealing your ducts to prevent leaks is even more important if the ducts are located in an unconditioned area such as an attic or vented crawl space.
Although minor duct repairs are easy to make, ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by qualified professionals using appropriate sealing materials.
The PUD offers instant rebates to qualifying customers to help pay for the improvements. Get the details.
Savings: up to 250 kWh* per winter bill, about $156 each winter
Cost: varies ($$)
*Based on regional average savings numbers for single-family homes of 1,500 kWh per year. |
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Have your heat pump system serviced | Have a professional clean and inspect your heating system every other fall to ensure that it is tuned and ready for the heating season. You’ll save energy and extend the life of your heating system.
Savings: up to 100 kWh* per winter bill, about $62 each winter
Cost: approximately $150
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Have your furnace serviced | Have a professional clean and inspect your electric furnace every five years to ensure that it is tuned and ready for the heating season. You’ll save energy and extend the life of your furnace.
Savings: up to 210 kWh* per winter bill, about $131 each winter
Cost: approximately $150
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Add a ceiling fan | Installing and using an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan to circulate the air can lower both your heating and cooling costs. Be sure to run the fan on reverse during the winter to push warm air down off the ceiling.
Savings: up to 12 kWh* per bill, about $15 each year
Cost: varies
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with electric heat. |
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Use a portable space heater | Using a portable space heater can save you money if you use it in place of your furnace to heat small areas. For example, using it to heat your home office while you pay bills instead of turning on the furnace to heat the whole house may save you energy. Be sure to turn off the heater when you’re not using it to prevent fires.
Savings: varies
Cost: varies |
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