1. Unplug it.
Cords and appliances can use energy even when devices aren’t turned on. Unplug them (including chargers) when not in use.
2. Change your light bulbs.
Compact fluorescent bulbs and led lights use less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last longer. While they’re more expensive initially, they’ll repay the initial investment in long-term savings.
3. Run larger loads.
Instead of running frequent, small wash loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer and dryer, wait until you’ve accumulated a full load of dishes or clothes before you wash.
4. Optimize your thermostat settings.
The US Department of Energy says that you can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.
In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with central air conditioning by keeping your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lowering the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling. Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal before you wake or return home.
5. Be mindful of your use.
Simple, small habits like turning off lights when you leave a room, and powering down computers and turning off televisions and game systems when not in use, can all help to contribute to savings. Shorter showers can help, too, in giving your hot water heater less work to do.
When it comes to savings, little things count; so start exercising conservative energy habits and begin saving, today!
