Wyoming Office of the Governor - Dave Freudenthal

Energy costs are on the rise. What can you do now to prepare for winter?


Energy efficient homes are less costly to own, operate and maintain, and they are more comfortable. Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light and live in our homes. This energy represents about 21 percent of the national total and includes significant demand for electricity and natural gas. Many households could save 20-30 percent on their household energy bills by implementing energy efficiency improvements.

To get help now with high heating bills, contact Wyoming's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

To learn about other Wyoming programs, click here.

To download an application for the Wyoming LIEAP program, click here.

Below are simple tips for homeowners, renters and business owners to improve their energy efficiency. 


Homeowners
  1. The best way to get started with weatherization is to take a whole-house approach that involves an energy audit from a qualified home energy auditor. These contractors will first check for safety concerns - leaky furnaces, stoves and other applicances - before getting started with steps that will seal up leaks and better insulate your home.
  2. Add insulation to your attic, floors or walls. Because heating and cooling costs make up a large percentage of your energy bill, insulating is one of the first and most practical things you can do to maximize your home’s efficiency. Besides reducing energy waste, insulation increases comfort levels by reducing drafts and keeping temperatures more constant throughout your home. Your water heater also benefits from insulation, as does hot water piping to reduce heat loss.
  3. Add storm windows and doors and use window treatments and coverings that protect against energy loss. 
  4. Apply caulking and weather stripping to doors, windows and other areas prone to drafts and leaks.
  5. Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually and consider replacement if the unit is more than 15 years old. Newer furnaces and air conditioners use much less energy. Rocky Mountain Power offers a glimpse into the amount of energy used by each appliance in your home. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances. 
  6. To cut down on energy use for heating and cooling, install a  programmable thermostat that reduces its use at night and when you're not at home. 
  7. Replace old light bulbs with more efficient compact flourescent light bulbs. Maximize the amount of sunlight that lights your home by opening drapes. 
  8. Perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit.
Renters 
  1. Purchase energy efficient appliances and electronics. Newer appliances use much less energy. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances. Learn more about Energy Star-rated appliances here.
  2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact flourescent light bulbs. Maximize the amount of sunlight that lights your home by opening drapes.
  3. Apply caulking and weather stripping to doors, windows and other areas prone to drafts and leaks. Window coverings and drapes can also help keep out the cold and keep in the heat.
  4. Install clear plastic window insulation on all windows at the start of cold weather. 
  5. Check with your landlord about whose job it is to clean or change furnace filters once a month during the heating season.
  6. To cut down on energy use for heating and cooling, install a  programmable thermostat that reduces its use at night and when you're not at home.
Businesses
  1. Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) for desk lamps and overhead lighting.
  2. Use dimmers, motion sensors, or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting when not in use to reduce energy use and costs.Turn off lights when you leave at night and use natural lighting or daylighting. Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months.
  3. Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use
  4. Turn off your computer and monitors at the end of the work day.
  5. Turn off photocopier at night or purchase a new copier with low standby feature
  6. Coordinate with vending machine vendor to turn off advertising lights.
  7. Have a qualified professional perform an energy audit.
  8. Ensure HVAC ductwork is well insulated.
  9. Insulate water heater, hot water piping and tanks to reduce heat loss.
  10. Install low-flow toilets and shower heads.
  11. Install meters to track energy use.
  12. Save paper. Photocopy only what you need. 
  13. Encourage employees to carpool, bike, or use mass transit when commuting to work.
  14. Use coffee mugs instead of disposable cups.

Want to learn more?