Common sense can be a good guide to energy savings in more
formal rooms like the living room.
Move furniture away from heating and cooling registers
or radiators. Blocking or restricting airflow makes heating and air-conditioning
systems work harder.
Consider using solid-state dimmers with your incandescent
lights. When you finish using a reading or work light, you can dim it for
general room illumination.
Choose light-colored, translucent lamp shades. Many lampshades,
while decorative, can actually reduce light or send it somewhere you don't
need it.
Install thermal shades or shutters on windows. They close
tightly and are one of the most effective ways to stop heat loss through your
windows.
Consider using compast fluorescent lights (CFLs). They use approximately 70% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
