Member Suggested Energy Saving Tips
Real Tips from Real SLEMCO Members
This is how a cooperative works, we help each other.
The tips you see below come straight from fellow SLEMCO members who’ve found smart, simple ways to use less energy without changing their lifestyle. From quick daily habits to clever low-cost fixes, these member-shared ideas have already helped families across our community save money and ease the strain on the grid.
We’re grateful to everyone who sent in their best tips, and we’re excited to pass them along so we can all benefit together.
Try one (or several!) and see the difference on your next bill!
Heating & Cooling Your Home: 50-60% of Your Electric Bill
Heating and cooling your home accounts for about 50-60% of your electric bill each month. For a typical 3-ton central unit, you will use 3x more electricity to heat your home than to cool it because heater motors have more horsepower. The key to savings is to reduce run time on your central unit. Lower your thermostat, wear warm clothes, cook meals in the oven, weatherstrip or caulk doors and windows to prevent warm air from escaping to the outside, and turn your ceiling fans on reverse to bring the warm air down into the room instead of hanging out near the ceiling. Making these simple changes will make a big difference on how much electricity you use during the winter.
Did you know that all ceiling fans have direction settings for hot and cold weather? You can usually find the direction switch on the fan body or base. Counterclockwise pushes cool air down, to keep you cooler in the summer, and clockwise circulates warm air downward. So remember, counterclockwise for summer and clockwise for winter. This simple change helps your HVAC work less!
Want to make your HVAC system work smarter, not harder? Keep doors to rooms and bathrooms closed during the day. Have a guest room you rarely use? Close the vents to use less energy. These small habits can add up to big yearly savings!
Your AC works hard in Louisiana! Did you know it accounts for 50-60% of your electric bill? Keep it running efficiently by changing filters monthly, keeping outdoor units clear of debris, and scheduling annual maintenance. Renters, ask your landlord to keep up with maintenance. A well-maintained AC unit uses less electricity. That’s cool savings!
Turning up your AC thermostat isn’t the only way to lower temps at home. Did you know your curtains and blinds are a secret weapon against high bills? Closing them during peak heat hours naturally keeps your home cooler. On pleasant spring and fall days, take the stress off your AC and open your windows or doors. Your wallet (and your AC unit) will thank you!
One of the smartest ways to cut cooling costs in hot climates like South Louisiana is to block the sun before it hits your windows — preventing solar heat gain right at the source.
Consider exterior shading options:
- Install awnings, exterior sunscreens, or retractable sun shades — these can block up to 65-77% of incoming heat, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Use landscaping strategically: Plant shade trees, shrubs, or vines on trellises to create natural barriers that intercept sunlight during peak summer hours.
For best results, focus on west-facing windows (afternoon sun is the biggest heat culprit) and choose deciduous trees if you want winter sun too. Small upfront effort = big, ongoing savings!
For more tips on landscaping to save energy, click here.
The sun can really heat a room when it’s blazing through your windows. Can’t replace them? Window film is an inexpensive way to cut down on summer rays and winter drafts, plus adds extra privacy! These and other affordable fixes, like thermal curtains and sealing leaks with caulk, can really reduce heating and cooling costs!
Electric Hot Water Heaters: 2nd Largest User of Electricity
Electric water heating is one the largest energy expenses in a home, accounting for about 25% of your electric bill. An electrician can install a timer that can turn your electric water heater on when you typically need hot water and off when you don’t. You can also manually turn your electric water heater on and off at the breaker without installing a timer. Leave it on for 30 minutes after you last use hot water, then turn it off at the breaker. The water will still be hot several hours later. Then turn it back on when you start using hot water again.
Wrap your hot water pipes (especially the first few feet coming out of the water heater) with foam pipe insulation sleeves—they’re inexpensive, easy to install, and available at most hardware stores. Do the same for your electric water heater itself by adding an insulating blanket (also called a water heater jacket). These simple upgrades keep the water hotter longer, so your water heater doesn’t have to run as often to maintain temperature.
It’s a low-effort project that delivers noticeable results on your next bill—perfect for busy households looking to save without major changes. Give it a try and share how much you save with your SLEMCO neighbors!
Handy Household Hacks to Save Energy
Take 15 minutes this weekend to check your home’s weather stripping and door seals. Feel a draft? That’s money slipping away! Simple DIY weatherstripping can save lots on heating and cooling costs. SLEMCO members, minor fixes mean big savings!
Make every wash count! Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when you have a full load. A half-empty dishwasher uses the same energy as a full one, and the same goes for “light” load settings on your washing machine! Bonus tip: Use cold water for laundry when possible – it’s just as effective for most loads and saves electricity.
Beware of energy vampires! Devices like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles still use power even when turned “off.” But that doesn’t mean you have to unplug all your tech… Power strips can easily reduce this phantom energy use. Any electronics plugged into a power strip can be completely disconnected from power with the flip of a switch!
Replace burnt-out bulbs with LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. A single LED bulb can save you in electricity costs over its lifetime. Small changes add up to big savings!
For more on the LED Advantage, click here.