Eugene residents share energy and water saving tips
From blocking a draft to replacing your heating system, each action you take can save water and electricity. This is particularly important during the cold snaps we have each winter.
We asked Eugene residents to share actions — big or small — they have taken in their home to save electricity or water over the years. See what your neighbors suggested below. Some tips may surprise you or make you laugh!
Don’t see something that you do? We’re collecting more tips and will update this post with new insights and inspiration.
Energy Saving Tips
"We do simple things in my home that my parents yelled about as I grew up: turn off lights if you're not in the room, unplug small/medium sized appliances that you aren't actively using, think about what you want from the refrigerator before you open it, don't linger in doorways when exiting and entering, don't go in/out more times than needed, open curtains for natural lighting during the day, don't wash loads of laundry that are too small, hang laundry to dry when you can. Small things that add up and we keep our bill down." - Erving
- Wondering how much energy each appliance uses each month? We’ve got a handy PDF spreadsheet that breaks down the cost of common household appliances and electronics. See which appliances cost the most or do your own calculations by following the formula at the top of the sheet.
"Close doors to unused spaces, and close closet doors. No need to heat up a closet of clothes!" - Loren C.
"My son just turned 5 last month, and he’s old enough to tell me what temperature he likes now. 68 degrees is too warm for him, especially at nighttime, so we set the temperature to 64 or 65 now, and keep it even cooler downstairs where we’re always fully dressed anyhow. We also put a draft blocker at our front door, and put light blocking curtains over our bedroom windows. It’s made a huge difference in our electricity bill." - Corinna L.
- If you don’t yet have a smart thermostat, we’ve got a rebate for you. A smart thermostat can help you control the temperature of your home wherever you are.
"We get our ductless heat pump maintained every year and we have a reminder on our phones to clean the DHP filters every month. We keep the doors closed to rooms we don't need to heat. Our back door has a gap where cold air comes in (old house) – we put down a rolled up towel to block the draft." - John
"When increasing the temperature on a conventional heat pump, only do so in two-degree increments to prevent the auxiliary heat from being used." - Robert S.
- Considering a heat pump? Check out EWEB’s rebates and loans to install a ducted heat pump or ductless heat pump.
"1. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when you're not using them if you're away from home or asleep. 2. Use a wood-burning stove in the winter to reduce your electric bill. 3. Consolidate loads of laundry and use the washer and dryer during non-peak hours. 4. Keep the thermostat below 68 degrees unless it's really cold outside! 5. Audit my electric use. What is necessary versus indulgent? Is it worth a higher electric bill?" - Robyn S.
- Did you know that EWEB bills include temperature and usage comparisons to last month and last year? Taking a look at your monthly usage is a good place to start with any audit. Check out EWEB’s Bill Self-Assessment for a 4-step guided assessment from understanding your bill to collecting data.
- Also, if you use a wood-burning stove, make sure it complies with Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) regulations.
- When are peak hours? The morning and early evening are when electricity demand is highest. Using energy at other times of the day – or night – helps reduce carbon emissions associated with electricity use and benefits our community and our planet.
"We finally installed curtains during the January cold snap. We got the double-layer curtains with a sheer fabric and then blackout. Not only is it visually more enjoyable, it's nice to know that our big windows are a little more insulated at night." - Mike O.
"I keep the thermostat a few degrees colder during the day and use a small space heater to warm my home office since it's where I spend the most time. Replacing the vinyl seals around exterior doors was cost-effective and made a huge difference in reducing drafts!" - Amanda L.
- Keep your home comfortable throughout the year and reduce energy waste by installing insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to high-performance windows. Use our rebates or zero-percent interest loans to help with the cost.
"For electricity saving, I open and close my electric garage door openers ONLY when I am actually sitting in the car, not standing in the garage." - John Q.
"I own a one-story, 1300 sq. ft. home. I close the blinds at night to act as an additional layer of insulation, and open the south-facing blinds in the morning to let in any sunlight we get to heat up the home. I keep the thermostat at 69 during the day and 67 at night, and wear comfy sweaters and drink hot tea to stay warm and cozy during these cold days! I also start the day with a dance party with my children to get the blood flowing and my body warmed up!" - Adam S.
Water Saving Tips
"On my 1/2 acre lot I receive 542,501 gallons (542Kgals) of rain water in a 40-inch rain year of rainfall. My engineered stormwater system puts this entire amount into the ground. In summer my well pumps out 154 Kgals for my yard irrigation system. No EWEB water used for the yard. And a net water replacement to the water table of 388 Kgal a year." - John Q.
"At home, I keep my faucet handles positioned on "cold". That way, we are reminded to only turn on hot water when we really need it." - Joan F.
"If your dishwasher requires a pre-rinse to be effective, use a basin, or plugged sink so that the same water can pre-clean many dishes. Never run the water continuously as you pre-clean each dish. And cold water is fine for a pre-rinse. Your dishwasher will remove grease during its wash cycle. The dishwasher is more efficient than hand washing." - John F.
- Check out EWEB’s water conservation tips. Businesses can also apply for smart sprinkler and high efficiency toilet rebates to further conserve water.
"Put shutoff valves on shower heads to shut off water during lathering. It saves water with less stress about time." - Brian M.
"In the morning when I turn on the hot water faucet and it runs cold for a few seconds before the hot water starts, I capture that cold water in a quart-sized jug to save for watering my plants." - Pat
Don’t see something that you do? We’re collecting more tips and will update this post with new insights and inspiration.
Related Programs
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Save water
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Rebates, loans and tips
We offer rebates, loans and tips to help you reduce your energy and water use in and around your home.
