In Southern Nevada’s extreme desert, managing energy and water is essential. We’ve compiled all high-value incentives from SNWA, NV Energy, and federal programs into a single guide with practical cost-saving tips you can implement right away.
Las Vegas Energy Rebates: Maximize Your Savings!
This is the single-source chart for all major financial incentives.
Water & Energy Saving Tips for Desert Living
Due to the extreme climate in Las Vegas, utilities must be proactively managed. For example, over 70% of residential water use in Las Vegas is outdoors, and summer air conditioning makes the cost of providing energy very high. Therefore, if you want to adapt to Las Vegas’ environment successfully, you need to conserve both water and energy. The following guide provides strategies for reducing your living expenses and adopting environmentally friendly practices in southern Nevada.
💧 Water Conservation Strategies
Given that the vast majority of residential water use happens outside the home, outdoor water-saving measures are the most impactful.
🏞️ Outdoor Water Use Reduction
About 70% of residential water use in Las Vegas occurs outdoors.
- Remove Grass and replace it with drought-resistant landscaping (xeriscaping) that requires little maintenance and withstands the heat in Southern Nevada. Choose Shilling Landscaping and Horticulture, a local business.
- Follow the SNWA’s Watering Schedule. This helps Las Vegas reduce water use and avoid rate increases. Find your watering days and group.
- Water Plants in 3 Shorter Sessions. This reduces runoff and helps more water soak in.
- Deep Water Trees. Water a complete footprint’s worth at 1 foot below the surface. Water again within 3 feet around the tree’s drip line.
- Keep Grass at 3 Inches Tall to keep the soil moist and healthy.
- Keep Sprinkler Heads Aligned to reduce evaporation loss in windy conditions by setting them to 30 PSI (pounds per square inch).
🚿 Indoor Water Conservation Tips
Small habit changes and low-flow fittings (shower heads and toilet aerators) can greatly reduce indoor water waste.
- Repair Leaky Faucets. Those drips add up and waste much more water than you probably think.
- Run the Dishwasher Only When Full.
- Don’t Run the Tap While Brushing or Shaving.
- Install Low-Flow Shower Heads & Faucet Aerators. Aerators reduce splashing, conserve water, and create air-filled droplets for a softer feel.
💡 Energy Savings Steps
Smart use of cooling systems and reduced solar exposure are key to staying comfortable while lowering the high energy costs during hot summer months.
❄️ HVAC System Management and Maintenance
- Don’t Turn Off the A/C While Away. Set it to at least 85°F.
- Change your HVAC Filters monthly in the Summer and every 2-3 months in the Winter, Spring, & Fall.
- Get Heater & Air-Conditioner Tune-ups each spring and fall.
- Use NV Energy’s FREE Home Energy Assessment to check your home’s energy efficiency.
- Appliance evaluation
- Air filter replacement
- Custom energy-saving report
- Heating and cooling inspection
- Insulation assessment
- Set of energy-efficient light bulbs
- Smart thermostat installation
Schedule online or call (855) 676-9373 for your FREE appointment!
☀️ Stop Heat Before It Starts
Reducing heat gain is the most effective way to ease the load on your air conditioner.
- Install shade screens or awnings on your west and south-facing windows to block sunlight.
- Keep the air conditioning unit’s condenser shaded, but make sure there is a 2-foot space around it for airflow.
- Make sure your home has insulation rated R-30 to R-38.
- Switch to LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones. LED lights use 75% less energy and last longer.
🏡 No-Cost Energy Habits for Extreme Heat
Adopting mindful habits can lead to significant savings, especially when power rates fluctuate.
- Set the thermostat to 78–80°F when you are home.
- Never turn the A/C completely off in summer.
- Run your oven, dryer, and dishwasher during off-peak hours (11 pm to 7 am), when power rates are lower.
- Unplug chargers, TVs, and electronics when not in use to save energy (they’re vampires).
Commercial & HOA Solutions
The high-energy use sector can benefit significantly from these tips.
- Switch to LED Lighting
- Suggest to your HOA that they look into the Water Smart Landscapes Rebate to save on grass conversion costs.
- Guide businesses to the SNWA Water Efficient Technologies for rebates on water-efficient technologies.
- Set (and lock) the facility thermostats to 78°F during occupied hours and adjust them for unoccupied periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I remove my grass and then apply for the SNWA Water Smart Landscapes Rebate?
A: No. You must submit your application and receive a mandatory pre-conversion site inspection.
Q: How do I know if I need a pressure regulator on my irrigation system?
A: If you see fine misting coming from your sprinkler heads instead of large droplets, your water pressure is likely too high (above 30 PSI). This wastes water to wind and evaporation. A pressure regulator installed at the valve can correct this.
Q: I rent my home. Am I eligible for any of the rebates?
A: Renters are typically not eligible for major permanent alteration rebates like the WSLR (grass removal), as the property owner must apply. However, renters are eligible for many low-cost energy solutions, such as the NV Energy Free Smart Thermostat (with landlord permission), and benefit directly from saving money on utility bills.
Q: Does watering during the prohibited hours (11 am to 7 pm) cause me to be fined?
A: Yes. Watering during these hours, regardless of the season, is considered water waste and can result in fines from the SNWA after an initial warning. It also leads to massive evaporation loss.
Q: My house has a swamp cooler (evaporative cooler). Do I still need to worry about air leaks?
A: Absolutely. While swamp coolers are cheaper to run than A/C, they work by pushing air into your home. If you have large air leaks (around windows, doors, or ducts), the cooled air escapes quickly, forcing the unit to run constantly. Sealing air leaks improves the efficiency of all cooling methods.
Q: Are there any year-round water restrictions in Las Vegas?
A: Yes. Aside from the mandatory 11 am to 7 pm prohibition, it is illegal to waste water through practices such as:
- Allowing water to flow into the street.
- Failing to repair a controllable leak within 48 hours.
- Using a sprinkler system on a day outside of the mandatory seasonal schedule.
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