Energy-Saving Tips of the Day

1. Plug home electronics such as TVs and DVD players into power strips with surge protection. Turn the power strip off when the equipment is not in use.
   
   
2. Replace regular light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). CFLs use up to 75% less energy.
   
   
3. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to block the afternoon and evening sun.
   
   
4. Be more eco-efficient. Use a mug or glass instead of styrofoam or paper cups.
   
   
5. Write with refillable pens made from recycled plastic.
   
   
6. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
   
   
7. Need new lawn equipment? Consider electric mowers and trimmers. For smaller yards, try a reel mower.
   
   
8. Buy recycled products and those with packaging you can recycle.
   
   
9. Consider solar-powered accent lighting for yard and garden.
   
   
10. Unplug chargers for cell phones, MP3 players, etc. They continue to draw energy just by being plugged in.
    
    
11. For fax machines and printers, use refillable ink cartridges and recycle old ones.
    
    
12. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. They're inexpensive, easy to install and reduce energy and hot water use.
    
    
13. Activate your computer's sleep mode when you leave your desk. This reduces electricity consumption to less than 5 percent of full power.
    
    
14. Save paper by printing and copying on both sides. And only print what you really need.
    
    
15. Only wash full loads of dishes and use the energy-saving setting for the drying cycle (or let dishes air dry).
    
    
16. Look for a dry cleaning service with "clean and green" processes, including reuse of hangers and garment bags.
    
    
17. To save on water heating costs, use cold water to wash dishes and clothing.
    
    
18. Carpool or use public transportation. If you own a business, encourage carpooling or allow telecommuting to reduce carbon emissions.
    
    
19. Building a new home? Consider energy-efficient building materials and ENERGY STAR appliances.
    
    
20. Save water by repairing leaky faucets. Even a slow leak wastes more than you realize.
    
    
21. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units (but don’t block the airflow).
    
    
22. Unplug equipment and appliances when you’re not using them.
    
    
23. Try to buy items that are reusable or come in reusable packaging – and make sure to reuse them.
    
    
24. Look for natural furnishings that have been or can be recycled.
    
    
25. Use rechargeable batteries; they can last up to twice as long as disposables.
    
    
26. Take your lunch to work in a reusable container.
    
    
27. Choose energy efficient office machines to save on costs and carbon emissions. They also produce less heat, reducing emissions from air conditioning.
    
    
28. Conduct an online home energy audit and get personalized energy-saving tips.
    
    
29. Repair, seal and add insulation to existing heating and cooling ducts to prevent heating and cooling loss.
    
    
30. Weather-strip and caulk around doors and windows to rid your house of drafts and prevent leaking of heated and cooled air.
    
    
31. If your primary refrigerator is at least 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR® qualified model.
    
    
32. Save on water heating costs. Run the garbage disposal with cold water.
    
    
33. Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The ideal temperature should be between 32°-39°.
    
    
34. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.
    
    
35. Use warm or cold water for washing clothes and always use cold water for rinsing.
    
    
36. Got a fridge or freezer with manual defrost? Defrost regularly since frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.
    
    
37. Check ductwork for leaks or holes. Have a professional seal joints and intersections to ensure they are airtight.
    
    
38. Got a spare fridge or freezer in the garage and don’t use it much? Consider getting rid of the extra energy-user.
    
    
39. Seal around holes from pipes and wires that enter or exit your home’s living space.
    
    
40. Consider replacing old windows with new high-performance, dual-pane windows.
    
    
41. Have your cooling system checked by a professional to make sure it’s operating at peak efficiency.
    
    
42. Add insulation to the attic. Your home should have a minimum R-30 insulation in the ceiling or attic.
    
    
43. Use dimmer switches or timers on lights.
    
    
44. Turn off lights when you leave a room.