- Use dimmer switches on indoor lights and timers or motion sensors on outdoor lights.
- Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently. Heating accounts for the biggest portion of your utility bills!
- Use Power Strips. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use—TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
- Utilize the power management features on your computer and monitor to help you save energy.
- Turn off your monitor when you won't be using it for at least 20 minutes.
- Turn off your computer if you won't be using it for at least 2 hours.
Saving Energy in your Home
One of the simplest ways you can save energy is your home is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label on light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR-labeled office equipment is widely available. It can provide dramatic energy savings—as much as 90% savings for some products. Overall, ENERGY STAR-labeled office products use about half the electricity of standard equipment.
Other tips include:
