Energy efficiency and savings
Use less energy while staying comfortable
Your electric bill usually climbs in the coldest and hottest months, and heating and cooling are the biggest reasons why. Knowing what’s ahead helps you plan, adjust your daily habits, and take steps to make your home more efficient.
This page conveniently brings together everything MTE offers on energy efficiency — seasonal tips you can start today, rebates and programs for larger upgrades, and local experts who can answer your questions.
Start with any solution that makes sense for your situation. Ultimately, energy savings depend on many factors, including your home, your habits, and the weather. Find an option that works for you to take your first step toward energy efficiency.
Saving energy is something you can do all year long. Here are some easy ways to make a difference:
- Install a smart power strip to cut power to devices sitting in standby mode.
- Replace or clean your air conditioner filter regularly. A clogged filter can raise your air conditioner’s energy use by 5 to 15%.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Many are set at 140 degrees from the factory.
- Seal outlets and switch plates on exterior walls with inexpensive foam sealers.
- Replace bulbs you use more than an hour per day with LED bulbs.
- Raise your thermostat 1-3 degrees to reduce how often your cooling system runs. We recommend raising it as high as you can while remaining comfortable during extreme heat.
- Set ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise to create a cool breeze.
- Close blinds and drapes during the hottest part of the day.
We've compiled even more ways to save energy and reduce costs during hot weather in our Extreme Heat Guide.
- Lower your thermostat 1-3 degrees to reduce how often your heating system runs. We recommend lowering it as low as you can while remaining comfortable. To protect your pipes from freezing in extreme cold, don’t set the thermostat below 60 degrees.
- Open blinds and drapes on sunny days to let warmth in and close them at night.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down from the ceiling (clockwise).
MTE's Winter Weather Guide has more ways to save energy and protect your home from severe winter weather.
A free evaluation for members. An MTE EnergyPro reviews your home’s energy profile — attic insulation, duct work and air flow, air leaks and weatherization, your heating and air conditioning unit, and everyday habits — and sends you a customized list of recommendations via email and in your myMTE document vault. A typical home takes about 90 minutes. Checkups are scheduled as our team’s availability allows.
Year-round, warm weather, and cold weather tips covering thermostat settings, water heater temperature, filters, LED bulbs, air leaks, ceiling fan direction, and more.
MTE and TVA EnergyRight offer rebates, incentives, and resources for qualifying upgrades. Rebates are not automatic. Your project must be completed by a contractor from the Quality Contractor Network, and then you complete the claim process. Your contractor has 90 days to enter the job in TVA’s Residential Hub, and you have 90 days to finish your claim. Rebates are paid directly to you and typically arrive four to six weeks after the claim is complete.
Your heating and air conditioning system is the largest energy user in most homes. This program helps members finance a more efficient system.
Energy efficiency improvements at no cost for members who qualify.
A mobile demo trailer where you can find energy-saving tips for appliances, try smart home devices, learn about solar and electric vehicles, and talk with an MTE EnergyPro.
Offered through MTE’s partnership with TVA, the Marketplace helps you compare more efficient dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, and other appliances.
Shopping for a new appliance?
The TVA EnergyRight Marketplace helps you compare more efficient models before you buy.
Have you considered the Levelized Plan?
Enroll in the Levelized Plan through MTE's myEnergyPlan. This option allows you to have a more consistent monthly bill.
Talk with an MTE EnergyPro
Have questions about saving energy, improving comfort, or choosing the right energy solution for your home? MTE EnergyPros are here to help you understand your options and find practical next steps that fit your needs.
Email: energyservices@mte.com
Phone: 877-777-9020
Online: mte.com/EnergySolutions
