PINEVILLE, La. – Temperatures are dropping, and Cleco is offering an online service to help customers manage their home's energy use and save money on their electric bills. Energy Depot™, a free resource, will help customers estimate energy consumption and costs and offer ways to use less energy this winter and throughout the year.

"Knowing which appliances use the most energy is the first step to controlling your electric bill," said Shirley Turner, general manager of customer experience management. "Heating and cooling account for about half of a home's energy use. Setting your thermostat at 68 degrees during the winter is optimum for energy efficiency. Energy Depot can assist customers with determining the appliances that use the most energy and how setting your thermostat at different levels impacts energy use."

Energy Depot offers customers an Energy Snapshot™ for their homes. By answering eight questions, this tool can give a comprehensive analysis of a home's energy use and identify personalized cost-saving opportunities. Customers also can compare estimated annual energy use when operating new or existing heating and cooling equipment or water heaters.

In addition to using Energy Depot, customers can help control their energy use this winter by caulking around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. They also can open drapes and blinds to allow the sunlight to enter and warm their homes.

"Making your home more energy efficient this winter does not have to be costly," said Turner. "Changing your system's air filter and keeping fireplace doors and dampers closed when the fireplace is not in use are simple things that you can do to save money on your electric bill."

For more conservation and energy efficiency tips, visit Energy Efficiency and take advantage of Cleco’s energy efficiency program, Power Wise™ and follow Cleco on Facebook at @ClecoPower.