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- Turn off all lights and electronics when they’re not in use.
- Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). They use
roughly 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer.
- Invest in dimmer switches and 3-way CFLs for manual lowering of light levels.
- Ensure that registers and vents are clean and unobstructed by furniture and carpeting.
- Close doors and registers in unoccupied rooms.
- Install ceiling fans to circulate cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.
- Keep refrigerator, microwave and oven doors closed and make sure door seals are
airtight.
- Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so they can heat efficiently.
- Cover pans to boil water or heat food; it heats faster and uses less energy.
- Match the size of your pan to the size of the heating element to prevent heat loss.
- Cover liquids and foods in the refrigerator since moisture makes the compressor
work harder.
- Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
- Only use the "rinse/hold" function on your dishwasher for heavy loads.
- After the rinse cycle, prop the dishwasher door open and let dishes air dry.
- Use the “stand by” or “sleep” mode on computers and printers to save approximately
80% of energy used. For free software, visit www.energystar.gov/powermanagement.
- Completely turn off computers, printers, copiers, scanners and coffee pots at the
end of the day.
- Unplug recharging adapters for laptops and cell phones as soon as they’re fully
charged.
- Use task lighting at your desk rather than lighting the entire room from overhead.
- At the end of the day, unplug all electronics and media to prevent vampire energy
use.
- On sunny winter days, open blinds on south- and west-facing windows to improve solar
(heat) gain; close them in the summer to reduce heat gain.
- At night, close blinds and curtains to prevent loss of heat and air conditioning.
- Place task lighting near places you read rather than using general overhead lighting.
- When possible, take a shower instead of a bath since it tends to use less water.
- Use a water-saving showerhead and shorten showers as much as possible.
- When running small amounts of water from a faucet, use the cold knob/position. Using
the hot knob may start the water heater even though hot water won’t reach the faucet
before you’ve turned it off.
- Replace furnace filters once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect and weatherize doors and windows each season; repair promptly.
- Seal air leaks in floors, ceilings, soffits, cabinets, ductwork, plumbing and electrical
outlets.
- In winter, set the thermostat at 68°F or below during the day.
- Lower the water heater thermostat. 115°F is usually plenty for most homes.
- Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a timer so they will turn off during
the day.
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