Living in Cook County, Minnesota, a place where winters are long and summers are short and mild, means that managing your home’s energy use has both practical and financial benefits. Whether you're in a spacious lakeside home, cozy cabin in the woods, or right in town, small changes can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. Here are some tips and tricks to help you reduce energy use year-round.

1. Prepare for Winter - It’s Kind of a Big Deal

Many homes on the North Shore, especially those within the Grand Marais city limits, are older homes built in the 1930s and 40s. Drafts are a common issue in older homes and apartments and a significant source of energy loss. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and outlets. Cover single-glazed windows with window insulation kits (also renter-friendly!) to help further insulate drafty windows. These simple fixes can help cut heating costs during the coldest months of the year, which could yield a significant savings on your electric bill.

Invest in cozy, warm clothing. A pair of fuzzy slippers and a light sweater may be all you need to lower your winter temperature settings a few degrees when you are home. Another potential source of energy savings.

2. Smart Thermostats Can Save Year Round

Installing a Smart Thermostat can help you take control of your heating and cooling needs easily and efficiently. Smart Thermostats have a plethora of features and settings that can help you save energy and save money. 

Many have the ability to set a daily schedule so that your home’s heating and cooling systems will kick on and get your home to the ideal temperature prior to your arrival home, while conserving energy when you are not home. 

Some can even raise and lower temperatures during peak and off-peak times to help reduce your electricity bill to optimize times when electricity is lower in price.

Did you forget to cancel your scheduled routine and turn down your heat before leaving on your week long vacation? No worries! Just hop into your app and adjust as needed! Smart thermostats make it easy.

3. Pick Your Perfect, Efficient Temperature!

Knowing the best temperature settings for each season can also help conserve energy. While the ideal temperature you choose is based solely on personal comfort, most energy experts agree that 68°F during the day and 64°F at night and when away from home are the ideal winter temperatures for energy conservation.  In summer, aim for 78°F and use ceiling fans to circulate air. If you can be comfortable with those temperatures, you may see a nice reduction to your next energy bill.

4. Upgrade to LED Lighting

Switching to Energy Star® LED bulbs and LED light fixtures can reduce lighting energy use by up to 75% from traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last longer, are more efficient, and can be loaded with more features allowing you to adjust brightness and hugh to help elongate the light’s life. They even make LED lights with colorful lights and built in Bluetooth speakers so you can turn your living room into your own personal night club. And that’s kind of neat.

5. Optimize Water Usage and Water Heating

Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F and insulate hot water pipes to minimize heat loss. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.

If you're looking to reduce your water usage, you can use a water sensor to detect leaks or running water to help prevent water waste. And if you’re able to make a water-flow investment, consider swapping out shower heads to low-flow or water-saver shower heads.

In the kitchen, If you have a dishwasher (or the ability and space to invest in one), try to use that to clean your dishes over handwashing. Using a dishwasher saves an average of 3 gallons of hot water per cycle.

6. Embrace Nature’s Heating and Cooling

Know which direction each window in your home faces and utilize passive solar heating, if possible. During sunny winter days, open curtains on south-facing windows to let in natural light and heat, and close them before dusk to retain the heat. In summer, use blinds or blackout curtains to block excessive heat, keeping your home cooler. A method especially preferred by those without air conditioning.

The North Shore is often a great source for natural cooling, especially if you are in close proximity to Lake Superior. Utilize any cross breezes you have by opening up windows on opposing walls so that air can easily flow through your home or apartment. You may need to leave doors open to allow wind to pass through. Box fans in windows and ceiling fans can help further circulate cool Lake Superior air.

7. Stop That Phantom Energy!

Most electronics and appliances consume energy even when turned off. This is known as “Phantom Energy”. Even though it may seem like a minimal amount of energy savings, every little bit counts! And, if you tackle all of the Phantom Energy in your home on a daily basis, it can lead to significant energy savings over time. 

An easy and affordable option is to use power strips that have an on/off switch to easily disconnect multiple devices at once. Just remember- never plug a space heater into a power strip! It can cause a fire.

Many, if not most Smart devices actually use more Phantom Energy than traditional devices, especially “home assistants” like Siri and Alexa. These devices exist in an “always on” state, listening for spoken keywords to activate, even when no one is home. So be sure to unplug these devices, especially, and limit Smart device usage to Smart thermostats and other devices that help you save energy, not waste it.

Energy Saving Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, Cook County residents can enjoy a more energy-efficient home, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. In an area where the brutal winters can often lead to devastating electricity bills, every little bit counts and will help you achieve energy savings and comfort. And continue visiting the Cook County Local Energy Project blog for more tips and tricks for reducing your energy usage!

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