The City of Duarte is partnering with Southern California Edison to help our community save money, save energy, and improve our environment. By working together, residents and businesses can increase their energy-efficiency while lowering their bottom line.
Interested in saving money on your home energy bills? Here are some places to start:
Building Materials
You can reduce heating and cooling costs through weatherization, insulation and window improvements. Focus on these areas first to keep air conditioning and heating from slipping through the cracks.
Heating & Cooling
Air conditioning can be an expensive and energy intensive way to cool your home. Weatherization, insulation and passive cooling strategies can help reduce these costs up to 50% and help make your home more comfortable. After taking these measures, if you need a new AC or heater, look for the most efficient model and get comfortable with your options.
Lighting
Upgrading your interior and exterior lighting can be a quick and easy way to reduce your energy costs. Today's wide range of affordable and energy-efficient options makes it easy to find the ones that work for you. Make the most of natural daylight and when the sun goes down, choose the right light for the right job.
Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers represent great opportunities to save energy. Refrigerators and freezers operate 24 hours a day, so upgrades can make a big impact. Newer models of dishwashers can use up to 50% less water, and newer stoves and ovens can use up to 50% less energy. EnergyStar® qualified appliances can reduce your energy bills over time. When buying new appliances, make sure they meet or exceed the minimum federal energy efficiency standard.
Laundry Appliances
Washers use a lot of electricity, much of which goes to heating water. New washers can use less water as well as less energy heating the water. Additionally, a few simple changes to the way you clean and dry your clothes can have a significant impact on energy savings.
Home Office & Electronics
When it comes to saving power, how you use home and office electronics is key. Audio, video equipment, and small electronics can account for up to 20% of your home's electric use. Did you know that plasma televisions can use two to three times as much electricity as LCD televisions? Also, newer LED televisions and monitors can save even more energy. Want a simple way to start saving energy today? Unplug or turn off power strips for small electronics to minimize "phantom" energy use.
Water Heating
Water heaters account for about 19% of your home's energy use and have a lifespan of up to 15 years, so choose wisely when purchasing a new one. If you're looking to improve the energy efficiency of an existing water heater, there are numerous ways you can lower your energy bills. Want an immediate way to save energy and reduce your energy bills? Wrap pipes up in insulation and turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pools and Spas
Pools and spas have a huge impact on your energy consumption and costs. Although you may use outdoor equipment less frequently than indoor appliances, you can still take advantage of energy-efficient options. Downsizing your pool pump may help but you can also save by reducing the amount of time it runs and by lowering the water temperature. These actions alone could save you up to 75% of annual pool energy consumption.
React to Impact
Did you know in Southern California it costs more to produce electricity in the summer, when energy demand is at its peak and less to produce electricity in the winter during periods of lower demand? "Peak" demand typically occurs between the hours of noon to 6 p.m. and is the time of day when the most energy is consumed. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine on how and when you use electricity, you'll save money and help California conserve precious resources now and for generations to come! By simply shifting energy usage to "off peak" hours - before noon and after 6 p.m. - you can make a big difference.
Ready to start saving now?
