Energy Efficiency Tools & Resources

Energy Star Portfolio Manager

The Energy Star Portfolio Manager helps businesses measure and track their power and water consumption against other similar businesses across the country. We are proud to partner with Energy Star to offer you this service. Learn more about this tool on our Portfolio Manager page.

Lighting

• Upgrade lighting with ENERGY STAR® rated LED bulbs and fixtures with our LED lighting rebates.
• Turn lights off in unoccupied rooms.
• Dust light bulbs and lampshades regularly to improve light output.

Water Heating

• Set your water heater temperature to 120° Fahrenheit.
• Install a foam pad under water heaters located on concrete or uninsulated floors.
• Insulate the first three feet of pipe going to and from the water heater.
• Repair plumbing leaks.
• Consider upgrading to a heat pump water heater and take advantage of our rebate.
• Install efficient showerheads.
• Install faucet aerators that use two gallons of water per minute or less.

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Change or clean your heating system’s filters regularly.
• Repair and seal ductwork with our duct sealing rebate program.
• Fill your attic with 18-20 inches of insulation and use our insulation upgrade rebate.
• Remove dust from baseboard or wall heater grills at least once per year.
• Replace single-pane windows and double-pane metal windows with our energy-efficient windows rebate program.
• Turn down the thermostat and use space heaters to heat only the room you are in.
• Consider using our rebate programs to upgrade to a ductless heat pump or central heat pump.
• Keep room air filters and dehumidifiers away from corners and walls to ensure good airflow.

Refrigerators and Freezers

• Set your refrigerator thermostat temperature to 38° Fahrenheit and your freezer temperature to 0° Fahrenheit.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer three-quarters full if possible because empty appliances use more energy.
• Vacuum or brush your refrigerator coils annually.
• Leave at least two inches of space between the refrigerator and stove and the walls.
• If possible, replace your refrigerator or freezer if you have had it for more than 10 years. An old unit can use twice as much energy as new, energy-efficient models.

Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
• Wash clothes in cold water; detergents and the washing machine agitator clean clothes, not the water temperature.
• Use air-dry settings and other power-saving features on your dishwasher.
• Clean your dryer’s lint screen between every load.
• Check your dryer exhaust vent every six months to ensure unrestricted airflow.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient dishwasher that uses 4.5 gallons of water per cycle compared with older models that can use up to 14 gallons per cycle.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient washing machine that uses 10 gallons of water per load compared with older models that can use up to 40 gallons per load.

Household Electronics

Many common electronic devices (including computers, laptops, monitors, stereos, printers and gaming systems) use energy even when they appear to be turned off. This is commonly called “phantom” or “vampire” power use. To eliminate phantom energy waste, do the following:

• Unplug electrical devices when you’re not using them.
• Plug home electronics into power strips, then turn the power strips off at night and when you are away from home.
• If available, turn on the power-saving feature on your electronics.

Exterior Doors and Walls

• Patch holes in exterior walls to prevent heat loss.
• Install weather-stripping on exterior doors to prevent cold-air drafts.
• Use expanding foam to fill holes in walls, floors, and ceilings where plumbing pipes or wiring pass through.

Fireplaces

• Install glass doors on your fireplace or a chimney-top damper so warm air inside your home doesn’t escape up the chimney.

Pools and Spas

• Cover pools and spas when not in use to prevent heat loss.

Tacoma Water customers can use our easy online form to request free efficient showerheads, faucet aerators, hose spray nozzles, and more.

Below are tools, practical tips and rebates to help you use less water at your home or business and save money on your utility bills.

Install a Water-Efficient Toilet

High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush compared with older models that use 3.5-5 gallons per flush. Replacing your older toilet with an efficient model could save you up to 2,400 gallons of water per month and reduce your annual water bill by about $78. When shopping for a high-efficiency toilet, be sure to look for the WaterSense label.

Water Use Calculator

A water use calculator tells you approximately how much water you use each day. It also shows you which water uses in your home are efficient, and which are not, and offers practical tips for saving water and energy.

Drip Calculator

Use this drip calculator from the American Water Work Association to estimate your water waste and see how much you could be saving.

Most people use more water — and pay higher water bills — during the summer months. Unfortunately, about half of it is wasted due to overwatering outdoors. To help reduce water waste, you may want to install an efficient sprinkler system.

To understand how much you could save, consider this: a 1,000-square-foot lawn that is overwatered for 30 minutes each day for one week can cost you an extra $13.82 per month. That same lawn, watered with proper irrigation design, will cost just $6.41 per month total.

Learn more practical tips to maintain healthy lawns, shrubs, and gardens, including how to properly install and use a sprinkler system.

How to Test for Leaks

Fixing common household water leaks can reduce your water bill by about 10% every year. Below are tools and tips for finding, preventing and fixing water leaks.

If you suspect a leak, your water meter and usage data can help confirm your suspicion. Make sure all faucets and water-using appliances like dishwashers and sprinklers are turned off and do not use any water during the test.

You can enroll in leak notifications by registering and/or logging onto MyAccount, our online customer portal. Navigate to “Edit Profile” and then “Notifications.” You will see a section labeled “Water leak notification” and drop-down menu that allows you to select to receive notifications via email and/or text message. You’ll be alerted of any water-use changes that may indicate a leak or burst pipe. 

Review Usage Data

You can access detailed usage data and check for leaks by logging into MyAccount. Advanced meters detect leaks based on continuous hourly water consumption. If our records indicate a significant increase in water use, we will verify the information and notify you by letter to take further action. Note: if you enroll in leak notifications you will not receive a “leak letter.” 

Check your usage by following these steps:

1. Click on the “Usage” menu and the drop-down menu that allows you to select “Usage Dashboard.”
2. A new window opens with the heading “Usage Dashboard.” Click the circle next to “Water” to display water usage data. A blue graph of monthly water usage appears.
3. Next to the heading “Period,” click the dropdown menu to navigate to the daily usage graphs.
4. Click on a day to display hourly usage.
5.  Most households have zero water use for part of the day. If you have a leak, the standard water use shows a new (non-zero) baseline when the leak possibly started. You may have a leak if the graph does not show zero usage.
6. Take corrective measures if you suspect a leak.

Using Your Advanced Meter

If you suspect a leak, your advanced water meter can help confirm your suspicion. This short video explains how you can use the flow indicator on your advanced water meter to help determine if you have a leak. 

An unexpected increase in your water bill, particularly after freezing weather, may also be a sign you have a leak.

Find & Fix Leaks

Frozen pipes are a common cause of leaks. Since frozen water expands, improperly insulated pipes can crack and leak. Even worse, freezing can cause pipes to burst, which could lead to a major water leak inside your home or crawlspace.

If you have a water leak emergency, call us at 253-502-8384.

Prevent Frozen Pipes