Save Energy
Carmichael Water District (CWD) is urging the community to do their part to save energy during this extreme heat. CWD is doing its part by taking measures such as adjusting temperature settings in offices and ensuring that unnecessary lights and energy-using equipment are not in use.
Recommendations from ISO & CalEPA
Review recommendations to save energy from the California Independent System Operator (ISO) and California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).
Adjust Your Thermostat
- During peak hours or when you're not home, remember to set your thermostat at 78° or higher. Setting your air conditioner 5 times higher can save up to 20% on cooling costs.
- Pre-cool your home by running the air conditioning at 72 degrees in the early part of the day (when it is more efficient) then turn your system to 78 or higher during the hottest part of the day when demand is the highest.
- Use smart or programmable features to help maintain energy savings when you're not home.
Close Windows & Doors
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent the loss of cooled or heated air.
- On summer nights, open windows to let cooler air in when safe. In the morning before the day starts to heat up, close windows and blinds to keep warm air out.
- Tilt blinds up and closes drapes and shades on windows that receive direct sunlight.
Smart Energy Use
- Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with LEDs instead of overhead lights.
- Enable "power management" on all computers and turn it off when not in use.
- Unplug phone charges, power strips (those without a switch), and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Access & Functional Needs
- Check in on neighbors, friends, and family who may be at risk.
- Charge medical devices in off hours and have a backup plan if the power goes out.
- In addition to traditional community support channels, individuals with access and functional needs should reach out to the local government for assistance.
- Contact local utility companies if you are dependent on power for assistive devices.
Major Appliance Use
- Postpone using major appliances like the oven, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer until cooler times of the day to avoid heating up your home.
- Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full. Wait until after 10 pm to use these and other major appliances.
- When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
Clean or Replace Your Filters
- A dirty filter forces your air conditioner and furnace to work harder, wasting money, and using more energy or natural gas.
Adjust Your Water Heater
- Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "normal" setting. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
Conservation Programs
- Consider participating in your utility's demand response program. These voluntary programs are short, temporary measures to reduce energy consumption when power supplies are critically low and a Flex Alert has been issued. Contact your local electric utility to learn about your utility's program and the incentives they may offer to participate.