Your air conditioner may be working hard these hot, muggy San Diego summer days. Keep cool this summer while saving on your home energy and water bills by following some important tips. 

Five tips to reduce summer energy use and bills:

1. Adjust your thermostat. For every 2 degrees you turn down your thermostat in winter or up in summer, you can reduce costs by up to $200 a year. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer.


2. Buy energy-efficient appliances. Save up to $80 a year on energy costs by choosing ENERGY STAR appliances. SDG&E offers up to $350 in rebates on efficient appliances.


3. If you have a pool, switch to an energy-efficient, variable speed pool pump and limit filtering to 4 to 6 hours. 


4. Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer. Washing with cold water saves $42 per year on electric water heating costs.


5. Seal and insulate your home. Lower your heating and cooling bill by having proper insulation, a time-tested step to help save energy year-round.
   SDG&E’s No-Cost Home Energy Upgrades (Energy Savings Assistance Program) offer assistance with Attic insulation, energy-efficient lighting, door weather-stripping, replacement of qualified appliances, caulking, minor home repairs, low flow showerheads, and water heater blankets.

Having trouble keeping up with energy bills? The US Dept of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers assistance in managing costs from home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and minor home repairs.

Use these energy-saving tips in your home and pool to beat the heat and save some green. 

The County strives to increase building energy efficiency through its Strategic Energy Plan, Zero Net Energy Portfolio Plan, and Climate Action Plan. Check out the County’s Energy Management program and CAP websites for more information.