Energy Wise

Efficiency and reduction of energy use is one of the best steps you can take in sustainability. While not every house can have solar panels on it, remembering to turn off the light in an empty room is an easy step for anyone to make, and it does save a lot of energy.

Some other ways to save energy (and money!) are:

• Wash clothing in cold water, and dry on a line
• Operate your dishwasher only when it is a full load
• Adjust your thermostat—allowing your home to be slightly cooler in the winter and slightly warmer in summer will have a big effect. Just a 5 degree change can reduce your heating bill by 10%!
• Close off unused portions of your home—no reason to heat up a room no one is using!
• Take shorter showers to reduce water heating expenses (it may not seem intuitive, but water use is connected with electric use. The process of filtering, transporting, and heating water requires much energy, and generating electricity requires water. Learn more about the Energy-Water Nexus here: https://www.energy.gov/policy/initiatives/energy-water-nexus)
• Buy efficient appliances only. Whether it's a car or a refrigerator, look for the most efficient option. (See below for rebates!)
• Insulate and weatherize your home. (See below for rebates!)

To find out the best way to reduce your home energy and water use, start with these free online tools:

• Home Energy Audit » 
• Water Calculator »
• EPA Home Efficiency Calculator » 

Looking for a rebate to help your home be more efficient? Rebates are available in different regions of Santa Fe County. See below for what is available to you:

Additional Resources

US Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Comprehensive energy efficiency & renewable energy descriptions and advice

Residential Energy Services Network - Home Energy Ratings System (HERS)

US Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star Program

• Energy efficient products: appliances, electronics, HVAC, energy efficient homes and commercial buildings
• Tips for saving energy in your home or business
• Federal tax credit

NM Gas Company - Energy efficiency ideas and rebates for homes and businesses

NM Energy Conservation & Management Division - State tax credits and other incentives

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)

• Energy efficiency tips and incentives for homes
• Energy efficiency for businesses
• Solar energy incentives for homes and businesses

Homewise

• Energy efficient affordable homes for low and moderate income families
• Low interest loans for energy efficiency and solar power renovations for low and moderate income families

Building Performance Institute - Residential energy efficiency and healthy homes

City of Santa Fe - Green Building Code and related info