
Refrigerator/Freezer
- Downsize where you can and get rid of old units, they cost 2x as much in energy compared to new ENERGY STAR® models.
- Keep the refrigerator temperature between 36 F and 42 F. Set the freezer control between -5 F and +6 F, that's all you need.
- Dust off the coils or filters.
- Check the rubber seals on the door and make sure the cold air is not sneaking out.
Water Heater
- Keep the heater set to 120 F.
- Repair any dripping faucets promptly.
- Install water saving devices. Use low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets.
- Use a timer to shut it off during long periods when you don’t need it like when you’re sleeping.
- When you’re ready to replace, look at efficient types, like solar thermal or heat pump water heaters. They can reduce your electricity bill by up to 40%.
Oven or Stove
- Use microwaves to use up to 2/3 less energy and heat than conventional ovens.
- Make meals on the grill, with a pressure cooker, or even toaster! Anything that is not the stove or oven will help significantly.
- Reduce the heat. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.
- Don’t peek in the oven. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25 F & requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up.
- Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking.
- Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container.
Bathroom
Shorten your showers by just two minutes. Each shower could save you up to 233 kWh and $56 per year per person in your household. Plus, you’ll save on your water bill too.
Dishwasher/Sinks
- Wash only full loads of dishes.
- Air drying dishes instead of using the heated dryer setting on your dishwasher can save you 110 kWh and $23 per year.
- Fix a leaky faucet. You can save $9 a year on a leaky faucet that drips one hot water drop per second.
Lighting
- Replace any bulbs with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). Even if your current incandescent bulb is still good, a new LED will be worth it as it cuts the energy by 90%!
- Use motion-detecting switches on outdoor lighting.
Cooling your Home
- Use fans and breeze where possible instead of ACs. When you must use your AC, close windows and doors to keep cold air inside.
- Block up to 25% of the sun’s heat by closing curtains and drapes during the day.
- Cooking outdoors can reduce heat in your home saving you on cooling. Your AC won’t have to work so hard.
- Check to see that windows and doors are closed when cooling your home.
- Use your AC's energy saving mode so it shuts off automatically when your home temperature has cooled sufficiently.
- Save as much as 10% a year on cooling cost by simply turning your AC thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
- Get rid of old, energy draining window AC units and upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® model if purchasing a new model.
- Clean or replace AC filters to increase efficiency by up to 15%.
Clothes Washers & Dryers
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water.
- Hang clothes instead of using the dryer.
- If you have to choose, front loading washers are at least 25% more energy and water efficient than top loading washers. Choose ENERGY STAR model to save even more - they use up to 45% less energy!
Other ways to save
- Electronic items like computers, printers, DVD players, camera battery chargers, AC adapters and cell phone chargers all use standby power when not in use. By connecting these devices to a power strip to turn these items off, you can save 50 kWh and $10.50 per year.
- Use your TV remote automatic controls for brightness to reduce energy use by up to 30%.
- Make the switch to ENERGY STAR® certified products to save energy, save money and protect the climate.
- Use an advanced power strip to eliminate phantom power drain.
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