Sometimes, a simple change in habits is all it takes to reduce your energy consumption by 15%. And the best news: It doesn’t cost a penny to do it. Please select the info below to discover ways you can save energy consumption. [these bullets now match the order of info provided below. Each bullet should link to the bookmarked info on this page]
- Appliances / Electronics »
- Refrigerators »
- Washer and Dryer »
- Dishwasher »
- Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC) »
- Window Air Conditioning Unit »
- Water Usage »
- Water Heater »
For detailed information on buying energy efficient appliances and electronics, read our Energy Guide.
Appliances / Electronics
- Unplug equipment that is not being used. Even when turned off, it’s still consuming power when plugged in
- To make this easier, plug multiple appliances / electronics into one or more power strips and turn the power switch off when you’re not using them.
- Ditch the screen saver on your computer. Instead, use the sleep mode, where the computer goes dark after the specified period of inactivity.
- When it’s time to replace appliances / electronics, consider buying ENERGY STAR qualified ones. This seal from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency means the product is considerably more efficient than the competition.
Refrigerators
- If you have more than one refrigerator in your home, turn off the extra one when you’re not using it.
- Set refrigerator thermostats to 37-40° F and the freezer to 0-5° F.
- Make sure the refrigerator door seals are clean and tight.
- Clean the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the refrigerator.
Washer and Dryer
- Wash in warm or cold water, instead of hot, and rinse in cold water. Heating water consumes 90% of the energy in the washing process.
- Always wash full loads.
- Hang your laundry on a clothesline or drying rack when possible. This saves energy and the quality of your clothes.
- When you do opt for the dyer, use the moisture sensor, if you have one. It shuts off the dryer when the laundry is dry.
- Clean the lint trap before every load to improve air circulation and efficiency.
- Dry heavier items such as towels separately from lighter items. Loads of similar-weight laundry will dry faster and more evenly.
Dishwasher
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
- Scrape and load dishes; no pre-rinsing is necessary.
- If you have it, use the energy-saver setting for washing.
- If you have it, use the air-dry option for drying. It circulates room air through the dishwasher by fans, instead of baking your dishes dry.
Heating and Cooling System (HVAC)
- Clean the floor vents or radiators when vacuuming. This will improve the efficiency of your HVAC.
- Close the dampers to the fireplaces to keep the heat in and costs down.
- In warmer months, open windows and use ceiling fans, especially at night.
- Try to minimize stove and oven use in the summer.
- Use curtains or insulated window shades on windows on the east, south or west sides of the house so that your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard.
Window Air Conditioning Unit
- Check the drain and unclog it if necessary. This will improve efficiency.
- Clean (or change) the air filter frequently to keep the unit running efficiently.
- Remove the unit in the winter, if possible; otherwise cover it and seal it well.
Water Usage
- Take shorter showers and fewer baths.
- Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.
- In older models only, place a couple of bricks or a plastic container full of water in the toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of water used with each flush.
- Check the toilet tank for leaks.
Water Heater
Turn the heater down to 120° F, from the typical setting of 140° F. This will reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10%.
