Energy Efficiency

Winter Energy Efficiency

• Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp.
  • Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.
• Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers.
  • Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy.
• Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.
  • Pro tip: Make sure your furnace filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed.
• When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs.
  • Pro tip: Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.
• Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use. Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy.
  • Pro tip: Plug devices into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button.

Energy efficiency is a choice

Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency, is the effort to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. Initiating a few easy steps may help you reduce your impact on the environment, and your wallet.

• Test the efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. View the Three-Step HVAC Test (JPG).
• Don’t waste – insulate. Proper insulation reduces energy costs. View the Insulate Your Home to Lock In Efficiency and Savings (JPG).
• ENERGY STAR-certified appliances provide more energy savings. View the ENERGY STAR Buyers Guide (JPG).
• Full loads equal fewer cycles. View the Laundry for Less (JPG).
• Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use about 80% less energy. View the Save Energy with LEDs (JPG).
• One room at a time. View the A Full House of Energy Savings (JPG).
• Labels can be confusing. View the Lighting Labels and Lingo (JPG).

Energy Assistance

Visit the Government Benefits website for information on the New Mexico Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or call (800) 283-4465.

View our Energy Assistance by County (TX) (PDF) or visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website.

SmartHub Usage Alerts

View the SmartHub Power Usage Alert (PDF) to learn how you can set up alerts to eliminate surprises with your power usage.

Home Energy Saver

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