Energy Saving Tips
With summer heat and humidity in the air, learn how you can save energy and money through the Compact's energy efficiency programs.
Tips for Keeping Cool While Saving Energy (and Money!)
Around the House
- Close the blinds or shades, especially on south facing windows, during the sunniest times of the day. Consider installing outdoor window awnings, which also block direct afternoon sun.
- Keep the doors throughout the inside of the house open to encourage air flow.
- Promote cross-ventilation by opening doors and windows in the early morning or after sunset when it’s cool outside. Then seal in that cooler air by closing them during the hottest hours of the day.
- Cook outdoors, or with small appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or pressure cooker. They produce less heat build up and require less energy than a stove or oven.
- Make sure you’ve switched from incandescent lights, which produce heat, to efficient LEDs. Keep bulbs clean to maximize their light output, use dimmers on a low setting, and utilize natural light as much as possible.
- Use ventilation fans to remove moist air after showers and washing and drying clothes.
- Dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack.
- Plant trees, bushes, and vines to provide shade in the summer. Deciduous varieties will not block the warming rays of the sun during the winter months.
- Use a programmable/smart thermostat and set it at 75-78 degrees while you’re at home, and 85 when you’re away. (For air source heat pump systems, leave your thermostat at a constant indoor temperature.)
- Use ceiling or room fans to help circulate air through your home and keep you feeling cooler. Turn off fans when you leave the room.
- Keep hot air out of your home with air sealing, caulking, and weatherstripping.
- Keep your water heater no hotter than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and lower your energy use.
- When using a window air conditioner, make sure to have proper air sealing around the unit.
- Change or clean your furnace filters and air conditioner filters once a month to help you system run more cleanly and efficiently.
- When using a dehumidifier, make sure it is sized properly for your space and keep the setting as low as possible.
- Unplug battery chargers or power adaptors when not in use, and use advanced power strips to automatically turn on electronics when you’re not using them.
- Check out the Mass Save website for more tips on saving energy and money on your HVAC system, lighting, electronics, appliances, and more.
Cape Light Compact Energy Efficiency Offers
- Sign up for a no-cost home or business energy assessment to identify areas for potential energy and cost savings.
- Enroll your Smart thermostat in the Compact’s ConnectedSolutions program to earn incentives and reduce strain on the energy grid during periods of high electricity demand.
- Check out the Compact’s Income Eligible or Moderate Income programs. You may qualify for reduced utility rates or fuel assistance, no-cost insulation and air sealing, LED bulbs, and more.
- Consider installing a heat pump system, which offers efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Check out the Compact’s incentives on heat pump systems for home and business.
- Check out the Compact’s residential rebates to save on efficient HVAC systems, appliances, and more.
Utility Payment Plans and Billing Assistance
