You Have the Power
to Make a Difference

Rising energy costs have us all thinking about using energy more efficiently. Using any of these simple energy-saving tips can help you make the most of your electricity dollar at home.

(NOTE: -$- indicates long-term savings tips)

Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
Use compact florescent light bulbs.
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.
Take short showers instead of baths.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Department of Energy.

Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads.
Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet can quickly waste gallons of water.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater; they sometimes come from the factory with high settings, but a 120°F setting provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
Insulate your hot-water storage tank. (NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to do this safely.)
Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
If you are in the market for a new dishwasher or clothes washer, consider buying an efficient, water saving ENERGY STAR model to reduce hot water use.
Install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss. Some new water heaters have built-in heat traps.
Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that lowers the efficiency of your heater. The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take, so follow the manufacturer’s advice.
-$- Buy a new energy efficient water heater. While it may cost more initially than a standard unit, the energy savings will continue during the life of the appliance. Look for the EnergyGuide label.
-$- Consider installing a drain water waste heat recovery system. A recent DOE study showed energy savings of 25% to 30% for water heating using such a system.
-$- Heat pump water heaters can be very economical.

Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed.
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after use.
On cold days, open draperies and shades on your south-facing windows to allow the sunlight in; close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
On hot days, keep window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.
Make sure warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators aren't blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and radiators.
-$- Select energy efficient products when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. For furnaces, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The national minimum is 78% AFUE, but there are ENERGY STAR models that exceed 90% AFUE.
-$- For air conditioners, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air.

Turn off the lights in any room you’re not using.
Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it.
Consider three-way lamps; they make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter light is not necessary.
Consider using 4-watt minifluorescent or electro-luminescent night lights. Both lights are much more efficient than their incandescent counterparts The luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
Use Compact Fluorescant Lamps (CFLs) in all the portable table and floor lamps in your home. Consider carefully the size and fit of these systems when you select them.
Use light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.

Selecting energy-efficient office equipment and turning off machines when they are not in use can result in significant energy savings.
An ENERGY STAR computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation. If left inactive, ENERGY STAR computers enter a low-power mode and use 15 watts or less.

Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. The plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

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