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Power Saver™ Program
Energy Efficiency Tips

You can save energy dollars by following these simple tips. Many of them are common sense suggestions that require no tools or out of pocket expense. Over time, you will see your energy efficiency increase and your energy savings multiply.

Clean or replace filters at least once a month
 Dirty filters make your system work harder and run longer than necessary
 They also encourage the buildup of mold and mildew, making cleaning more difficult
Shade outside air conditioning units
 A/C units shaded by trees or other means work more efficiently and use up to 10% less electricity
Clean your AC's condenser/evaporator coils at the beginning of the season
 Clean coils lower your energy costs, extend the unit's life and provide cleaner air for you to breathe

The fin coils on the outside AC unit can be washed with a hose

 Coils on inside units may be difficult to get to and may require a trained technician
Keep debris and high grass away from the condenser
 These obstacles block the airflow to the unit
 Blockage makes the condenser work harder and run longer
Set your thermostat at 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter
 Each degree cooler or warmer will increase your energy use by 6 to 8%. For instance, setting your thermostat at 72 in the summer could increase energy use by up to 40%
 One of the best ways to save energy dollars is to use less air conditioning and heating
If you have central air conditioning, do not close vents in unused rooms
 This could increase pressure and cause leaks in your ducts
This does not apply to homes or apartments with window units where closing off unused rooms will reduce cooling costs and increase comfort
Consider new high efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps
 They use up to 40% less electricity than older models for the same amount of running time

Cash Rebates and Low-Interest Loans Available
Austin Energy's residential energy efficiency offerings are among the most highly recognized in the nation. Each year thousands and thousands of Austin Energy customers use our rebates or low-interest loans to improve the energy efficiency of their homes or multi-family complexes.

Our energy efficiency offerings operate in partnership with a large selection of local businesses that provide
free energy audits and install the energy efficiency improvements needed. All work performed is inspected by our energy efficiency technical staff.

We have a variety of offerings to meet every need. Take advantage of the best residential energy efficiency program in America. You will save money and improve your comfort.

Power Saver™ Program—Saving Energy Together

 
Quick Links
 
En Español: Sugerencias Para Ahorrar Energía (pdf)
 En Español: Eficiencia en Casa con Energy Star® (pdf)

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 Appliances
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 Around the Home
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Energy Savings Calculators
Free Online Energy Audit
Green Building Workshop
Product and Technology Guide
Participating Companies
Energy Efficient Apartments
Reading Your Meter
ENERGY STAR® Appliances and Dealers
Speakers on Energy Topics

 
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