Energy savings tips for FlexHours events

Saving energy can be simple. Here are some easy tips to save during FlexHours events:

1. Raise your thermostat temperature. Decreasing your use of air conditioning (if you have it) is the most effective way to save energy. Most people find they can raise the temperature 3-4°F and stay comfortable by closing shades and using fans.
2. Opt for a fan instead of AC. If you have air conditioning, try switching it off and staying close to a fan.
3. Block sunlight. Sunlight passing through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. Try closing curtains and blinds to block sunlight from overheating your home.
4. Save up cool air. If you'll be home during a FlexHours event, precool your home beforehand. Turn on the air conditioning in the morning (before 7 am), then turn it off before the FlexHours event and enjoy the cool air you have stored up.
5. Charge later. Delay charging your electric vehicle, e-bikes, cordless electric power tools, or other battery powered electronics until after the FlexHours event ends.
6. Schedule your pool pump. If you have a pool, the pump probably uses more energy than most other devices and appliances in your home. If your pump has a timer, program it to run outside of FlexHours events. You can also manually turn off your pool pump and turn it back on after FlexHours events.
7. Minimize appliance use. Delay using large appliances like your laundry machines, dishwasher and oven until after the FlexHours event is over.
8. Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for greater control over your home’s temperature and less hassle. Visit the IID Power Store to get instant savings on top models.
9. Turn off lights. Turning off lights in unoccupied areas is a quick and effective way to reduce your energy usage. Upgrading to smart lightbulbs allows you to turn off lights using a mobile device, and installing motion sensors can make things easier too.
10. Turn off or lower your electric water heater temperature. Water heating is one of the biggest energy users in a typical home. If you have an electric water heater, turn off your water heater (either manually or using a timer) during FlexHours events. The water in your tank will stay warm for the duration of the event. You can also lower your water heater temperature to below 120°F and restore it after the event.
11. Turn off your ice maker. If you have an ice maker in your refrigerator or freezer, turn it off during FlexHours events. Ice makers have an internal heater that keeps their motor operational in freezing temperatures, so they use more energy than you might think.
12. Unplug electronics. Identify appliances and devices that can be unplugged for a few hours, such as your game console, microwave or printer. Plugging a group of related devices into a smart power strip allows you to turn them off all at once. You can also use a plug-in power meter to compare the exact wattage of your electronics.
13. Enjoy unplugged activities. Instead of watching TV or using electronics that need to be plugged in, read a book, play a board game, or spend quality time with your household.
14. Charge your electronic devices before and after FlexHours events. Make sure cell phones, tablets, and laptops are fully charged before the FlexHours event starts and recharge when the event ends.
15. Wash laundry with cold water. If you need to wash clothes during a Flex Hours Event, use cold water, if possible. About 90% of the energy consumed for washing clothes is used to heat the water.
16. Only run full loads of laundry. If you need to wash clothes during a FlexHours event, only run full loads. Most load sizes use about the same amount of energy, so running fewer, larger loads helps save energy.
17. Avoid using your oven. Electric ovens use more electricity than any other cooking appliance, so avoid using your oven during a FlexHours event. For re-heating food, use a microwave or toaster oven.
18. Avoid using your dishwasher. Try to avoid washing your dishes by hand as an alternative, since you'd still be using a significant amount of energy by using warm water or plan to run a load before or after a FlexHours event.
19. Unplug your second refrigerator. If you have a second fridge, remove necessary items ahead of the FlexHours event and then unplug it. It can stay cold for about 4 hours if it remains unopened.
20. Adjust your hot tub’s heater. Set your hot tub to heat between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. A good cover will keep the heat inside your hot tub long enough for you to enjoy it all day and evening, without needing much more heating.