Efficiency Tips
Saving energy and water ultimately saves you money on your utility bill. But what are the best ways to save based on your needs and household?
Check out the most impactful efficiency tips, rebates, and home upgrades below designed to help you save while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Start with a free consultation from the Home Efficiency Genie for free advice customized to your home and usage patterns. Then explore your Home Water Report available through WaterSmart to see where you’re using the most water and how you measure up to your neighbors. You’ll get recommendations customized to your household and water use.
Free & easy
These simple, everyday tips are ordered from most to least impactful on energy and water savings.
Energy
- Program your thermostat. Only run heat and AC when you’re home.
- Use your curtains. Open them during the day for warmth and natural light. Close them at night to keep the cold out. Consider thermal curtains or blinds.
- Take advantage of natural light. Work in the sunlight during the day. Turn off lights in rooms not in use.
Water
- Adjust your irrigation timer to stop watering when rain is in the forecast.
- Get a free survey of your irrigation system from Valley Water with recommendations for repairs, replacements, and upgrades.
- Sign up for leak alerts with WaterSmart. Get notified when a potential leak is detected and get step-by-step advice on how to check for leaks in your home.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full.
- Scrape food scraps into the compost bin instead of rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
- Collect shower water in a bucket as it heats up. Use it to water your plants or wash your dishes.
- Water only desired plants. Dig up patches of weeds from turf areas then add sod or overseed to repair the bare areas.
Rebates available
Maximize your water and energy savings with minimal cost by applying for available rebates.
Energy
- Switch to an electric water heater with a maximum rebate and minimal hassle. With our full-service solution, a City contractor will install your heat pump water heater. Payment plans are available and there’s no need to fill out a rebate application. (Pro tip: Heat pump water heaters are the second most impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint after driving an EV.)
Water
Find more ways to save money, energy and water
Even bigger savings
While these efficiency upgrades require some upfront investment, savings will be realized over time in significant reductions to your utility bill. Tips are ordered from most to least impactful on energy and water savings.
Energy
- Keep your fireplace damper closed when there’s no fire. Consider a chimney pillow/balloon if you never use your fireplace.
- Upgrade your attic insulation.
- Upgrade all lighting to LEDs, including holiday lights.
- Weather-strip and caulk the seals around doors and windows.
- Get your heating system professionally serviced every few years.
- Replace your furnace filter.
Water
- Fix leaks as soon as possible.
- Replace your clothes washer with a high-efficiency model.
- Upgrade to high-efficiency toilets.