Changing Habits
Fight global warming and save money with a simple change in habits.
A few small changes can make a big difference.
Energy-Saving Tips Cards
Download our hot weather energy-saving tips cards and reduce electricity costs as well as protect the environment.
Heating, Cooling and Insulation
- Dress appropriately to the weather. In summer, wear lighter clothing to reduce the need for air conditioning. In winter, put on a sweater before cranking up the heat.
- During the summer, a 5°F higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10% on cooling costs.

- During the winter, set the thermostat to 68°F when you are home (health permitting) and lower when you are away. Lowering the temperature 3 to 5°F can save you up to 20% on heating costs.
- Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day.
- Replace or clean furnace filters regularly and get a furnace tune-up. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted can help you save on heating costs.
Lighting and Electronics

- Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save on lighting costs. If all Californians replaced five bulbs with CFLs, it would be like taking 275,000 cars off the road.
- Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. If all Californians unplugged electronics when not in use, it would be like taking 120,000 cars off road.
Water Use and Appliances
- Cut water use by installing faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water.
- Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
- Wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy use in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
- Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use. Use the air-dry option instead of the heat-dry. Check and clean the dishwasher drain.
- Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load.
California Urban Water Conservation Council's H2O house is full of great ideas for water saving appliances around the house. Saving water is a key way to reduce energy use, since more than 19% of the energy used in California goes to water in one form or another.