1. Unplug your Energy Vampires: Vampires are anything that drains energy when not in use.
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Energy Vampires include DVR, VCR, DVD; computers power cords; MP3 players; Video game consoles; Standby coffee makers; Devices that turn on instantly via remote control; Devices with standby light or clock; unused lamps, TVs, printers, clocks, toys, washers and dryers. Combined, these account for an estimated 10% or more of your energy bill.
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2. Turn off the lights
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Unless you will be back in the room in less than 1 second for all bulbs other than florescent (which is 23 seconds ) you are saving money by turning off the lights, an estimated $37-45 a year
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3. Use Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs
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They use 75% less energy than standard light bulbs and you can cut your electric by $60 if you change just the 5 most frequently used bulbs. *note these bulbs should be properly disposed of with household hazardous waste.
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4. Power strip it
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Are there several things you use often together but not all the time. Use a power strip to turn them all off and on when needed instead of unplugging them all.
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5. Recycle Aluminum Cans
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Recycling 1 can saves enough energy to watch TV for 3 hours vs. producing a new can.
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6. Rechargeable batteries
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They can save up to $70.00 a year
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7. Turn off computer monitors when away
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Monitors use about 2 watts of energy when turn ‘off’ vs. 25-60 watts when ‘on’. so turn them off when you leave a huddle room, conference room or for the night
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8. Cool it down
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Lowering your thermostat setting in the winter by 2° can save an estimated $150/year.
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9. Warm it up
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Increasing your thermostat setting in the summer by 2° can save an estimated $55/year.
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10. Programmable thermostat.
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A programmable thermostat can save an average $290/year when adjusted to your lifestyle.
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11. Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
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Turn down the temp of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). Invest in a water heater blanket (R-8 or better) and insulating pipes. A blanket can save 4%–9% and pipe insulation can save you up to $25 annually in water heating costs.
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12. Wash clothes in cold water
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Approximately 80% of the energy consumption associated with the use of laundry detergents is from heating the wash water.
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13. Upgrade your showerhead.
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Low flow showerheads save a family of four 15,000 gallons per year, reducing water heating costs by $60-$150 annually.
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14. Use just one refrigerator or freezer.
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A second one can cost up to $120 in electricity per year. If you need a second one for a special occasion plug it 1-2 days before it is needed.
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15. Don’t set the fridge/freezer temperature colder than you need.
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Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F and the freezer between -5° F and +6° F. Also a full freezer will perform better than a nearly empty freezer.
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16. Set your ceiling fans rotation
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Set your ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise in the summer. This will pull hot air up and push cool air down into the lower levels of the room and allow you to reduce your thermostat by 4%
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17. Keep it clean
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Dust absorbs light and increases heat. Keep light bulbs, fridge/freezer coils and intake valves dusted; vacuum out your dryer lint trap, clean AC and replace filters to allow air to flow and reduce the strain motors.
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18. Let the sun be your friend
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Open the curtains in the winter and keep them closed in the summer to keep the house warm or cool.
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19. Appliances
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Always consider Energy Star rated appliances that are manufactured to uses less energy.
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20. Cook it up
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Use the right size burner with the right size pot
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21. Put a lid on it.
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Cook food and boil water in a covered container whenever possible. This traps the heat inside and requires less energy.
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22. Insulate your Attic
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Attic floor insulation should be at least R-38 or about 12 inches thick. Do not compress insulation on the attic floor by adding a layer of wood, storing boxes on it or walking across it
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23. Bring in light
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Consider installing solar tubes. They act as a skylight but much smaller and much easier to install. Igot mine for $150.00 at Home Depo and was able to write them off on my taxes. * you also have light on full moon!
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24. Mow the Lawn
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Consider an electric mower. They are much cheaper to run (estimated 3-10 cents), about ¼ noise pollution and significantly reduce emissions (don’t need to worry about smog alerts).
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25. Consider Renewable Energy
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Today there are a few different forms of renewable energy you can add to your home including: Solar Energy, Solar Hot Water Heater, Tankless Water Heaters, Geo-Thermal, and small Wind Turbines. Check with state, federal and even your utility for savings and incentives. If you produce more than you use you may be able to sell the energy back to the utility.
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| Kitchen Solar Tube |
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| Bathroom and Kitchen Solar Tubes |
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