Saving energy right in your own home is easy. These practical solutions are things you can start doing today.
In the kitchen
- Run a full load in the dishwasher. A half-filled dishwasher uses twice the energy
- Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle
- Check the seal on your refrigerator. Refrigerators account for up to 11% of a household’s total energy usage
- Dust and pet hair can build up on your refrigerator condenser coils, causing the motor to work harder and use more electricity. Make sure the coils are clean so air can circulate freely
- Lower your water heater thermostat to 120°
- Look for the Energy Star label on home appliances to ensure they meet strict guidelines set by the US EPA and Dept. of Energy
Home cooling
- Maintain your air conditioner annually by a qualified technician and change the air filter monthly in the summer
- Close blinds and drapes to reflect the sun’s heat. White window coverings reflect the heat while dark ones absorb it
- Reverse the spin of your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise in the summer and turn it off when not in the room. Fans cool people, not rooms
- For every degree you turn up the thermostat’s temperature, you could save 2% to 3% on your cooling bill
Home heating
- Schedule yearly maintenance for your furnace with a qualified contractor and replace filters monthly or according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep shades open during the day to let sunlight in
- Keep radiators or heating vents clear from furniture or draperies
- In heating mode, lower your thermostat by 1° for 8 hours (while asleep or away from home) to save about 1% on your heating bill
Laundry
- There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes; use less water and use cooler water
Lighting
- An average household dedicates about 5% of its energy use to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills
Water Heating
Water heating is usually the second largest energy expense in your home, after heating and cooling, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. The main way to cut your water heating use is simple: use less hot water.
Water Saving
- Repair leaky faucets
- Switch to low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets