Grapes in Solano County soaking in the sun’s energy.
JOIN US — along with many of your neighbors — by adopting the following hacks that lead to more green, both in your pocket and on the electric grid. You’ll help prevent polluting gas power plants from generating and causing serious harm to those who live near them and to the environment.
To maximize your cost savings and be the most eco-conscious, try to use electric appliances before 4 pm, when the sun is out.
For most households, electricity rates are highest between 4 and 9 pm. During this time, people are using more energy, gas-powered production typically starts up to meet increasing demand, and the supply sources are more expensive.
See our tips below! Using timers or remote apps could help you manage your energy consumption more efficiently.
Start with a couple tricks. Add a couple more. Then a couple more. Before you know it you’ll reach “4–9 Energy Superstar” status. Make sure you’re on a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate consistent with your needs and lifestyle, and maximize your savings.
Lower your thermostat to precool your home before 4 pm when rates are cheapest. Then turn it up to 78º from 4–9 pm. Better yet, get smart — a smart thermostat, that is, to change it for you automatically.
Central air conditioning is one of the biggest energy hogs. If you need to use it, try our pre-cooling tip, and use fans to lighten the load. It’s OK to fudge a bit if conditions are unbearable, but do what you can without risking your health and safety.
If there’s no cool breeze, close your windows. Pull down your shades and close your shutters. Warm air stays out and cooler air stays inside. Late at night, air out your home and chill with a cross breeze.
Set your thermostat to 68º or lower from 4–9 pm, while you sleep, or when you’re away. A smart thermostat can make this cool move easy, especially one that is controlled by an app so you can adjust it remotely!
Fix anything in your home that might be costing you a small fortune: drafts, leaks, or fussy appliances. Insulating windows and doors or getting more energy-efficient appliances will keep you cozy.
Wear your layers, even inside! Space heaters may be a good solution, but make sure they are energy friendly and use them sparingly from 4–9 pm.
Run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher after 9 pm or during the day. Many have built-in timers so set them to run outside the 4–9 pm peak-pricing hours. Wake up those appliances and start them running before you go to sleep.
With the goal of reducing your energy use from 4–9 pm, remind yourself that peak prices are starting. Ask Alexa. Ask Siri. Ask yourself: Remind me at 4 pm to slow my energy roll. Set a daily alarm.
Heat pump water heaters preheat water during times of the day when power is cheaper and store the hot water for use during peak times when costs are higher. Learn more on our Home Energy Savings Program page and find rebates flowing while they last!
Let’s do this together! You may not think changing a little thing will matter. We get it. But if we all do it, it translates to more savings for you, a big boost for the environment, and healthier air for everyone.
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© Copyright 2024 MCE
Public Agency Compensation:
State Controller’s Government Compensation in California Information
Privacy Policy
© Copyright 2024 MCE
Contractors, please fill in all required fields below. Information must be submitted for each project for which you are requesting to reserve funds. Make sure the heat pump water heater you and your client choose to install is on the TECH Clean California-approved list.
