Energy Efficiency Resources

Lowering your energy use doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Small changes at home can make a big difference in your monthly bill.

Wasco Electric Cooperative is committed to helping members make informed choices about energy use. Explore the tools, tips, and programs below to get started.

Energy Savings at Home

Many of the most effective ways to reduce energy use start with simple habits and smart choices at home. Small adjustments in daily routines can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Turn off lights when leaving a room
Use LED lighting whenever possible
Unplug chargers and electronics when they’re not in use
Run dishwashers and laundry machines with full loads
Adjust your thermostat a few degrees with the seasons

Your home is also where most energy is used, making it the best place to focus on efficiency improvements:

Heating & Cooling

Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly
Seal gaps around doors and windows to reduce air loss
Use a programmable thermostat to match your schedule
Close blinds or curtains during peak summer heat

Water Heating

Set your water heater to 120°F when appropriate
Repair leaks promptly to prevent wasted energy
Install low-flow showerheads to improve efficiency

Appliances

Choose ENERGY STAR® certified appliances when upgrading
Avoid the heat-dry setting on dishwashers when possible
Clean refrigerator coils regularly to maintain efficiency

Taken together, these steps can improve comfort, reduce waste, and help lower monthly energy use throughout the year.

Programs & Assistance

Wasco Electric Cooperative offers a range of resources designed to help members improve energy efficiency, manage monthly costs, and better understand how energy is used in the home or business.

Energy Assistance Programs (WECare) – Support for qualifying members who need help with energy costs
Budget Billing – Smooth out seasonal fluctuations by spreading costs evenly throughout the year
Member Services Support – Help interpreting your bill, understanding usage, and identifying savings opportunities

Energy Efficiency Audits

One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is through a home energy audit.

An energy audit helps identify where energy is being used—and where it may be wasted. From heating and cooling losses to insulation gaps, appliance usage, and air leaks, audits provide a clearer picture of how your home or business performs year-round.

By understanding your energy profile, you can make targeted improvements that often lead to:

Lower monthly energy use
Improved comfort throughout the seasons
More efficient heating and cooling performance
Smarter long-term investment decisions for upgrades or repairs

Members are encouraged to start with an audit before making major efficiency upgrades, as it helps prioritize the changes that will have the greatest impact.

Schedule an Efficiency Audit

Helpful External Resources

We also recommend trusted energy education tools:

Energy Saver (U.S. Department of Energy) – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver
ENERGY STAR® Home Energy Guide – https://www.energystar.gov
Northwest Power and Conservation Council – https://www.nwcouncil.org
Your Home Energy Use Calculator (DOE) – https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/home-energy-scoring-tool

These resources provide deeper insights into reducing energy use and improving home efficiency.

Downloadable Energy-Saving Guides

Looking for more detailed information you can use at your own pace? The resources below from Comfort Ready Home provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help you improve energy efficiency throughout your home.

These easy-to-follow guides cover topics like heating and cooling, insulation, air sealing, and other upgrades that can improve comfort and reduce energy use year-round.

Whether you’re planning small improvements or larger home projects, these materials can help you understand where to start and what will make the biggest difference.

Explore the guides below:

Air Filtration Guide (PDF)

Air Sealing Guide (PDF)

Duct Sealing Guide (PDF)

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) Guide (PDF)

Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Guide (PDF)

Manufactured Home Insulation Guide (PDF)

Single-Family Home Insulation Guide (PDF)

Smart Thermostat Guide (PDF)

Window & Door Replacement Guide (PDF)

Auxiliary Heat Explained (PDF)