Save Energy: 100+ Ways to Save Energy
Buildings, Heating and Cooling: At Home and Around the Office
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED’s
- Turn lights off in rooms not being used
- Use timers on lights
- Install dimmer switches
- Re-seal / caulk windows
- Install storm windows
- Replace older windows with high-performance windows
- Re-seal doors around the frame and the bottom
- Replace older or damaged doors
- Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces that border the outside
- Repair any roof damage
- Repair any exterior wall damage/add insulation
- Plant trees for shade
- Plant short dense shrubs close to foundation to insulate against cold
- Install roof or cover on outside deck
- Install solar panels
- Install a wind turbine
- Cover bare floors for heat retention
- Install an energy-efficient heat pump
- For winter, set thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day and reduce it to 65-68 degrees at night
- For summer, set thermostat to 72-75 degrees during the day and increase to 76-78 degrees at night
- In the warmer seasons, open windows at night to capture the cool breeze
- Place fans in windows on cooler summer days instead of using the A/C
- Lower thermostat in winter and raise it in summer when leaving the house
- Avoid heating or cooling unused areas and rooms
- Avoid overheating or cooling your home
- Replace furnace and A/C filters regularly
- Give A/C an annual tune up
- Repair leaky ducts
- Keep furniture, carpeting, and curtains from blocking registers and return ducts
- Use shades, blinds, and drapes in summer to block the sun
- Use/install ceiling fans
- Close fireplace damper when not being used
- Try not to use the fireplace and central heating at the same time
- Turn off fireplace pilot during the summer
- Keep garage door closed, especially in winter
Appliances
- Discontinue using portable electric heaters
- Replace older and damaged appliances with Energy Star rated appliances
- Repair refrigerator door seals
- Avoid opening refrigerator/freezer doors to browse
- Let hot foods cool before placing in refrigerator/freezer
- Clean the back of refrigerator regularly
- Unplug extra refrigerator and/or freezer located in hot garage or utility room
- Keep freezer full as it uses less energy than an empty one
- Unplug phone charger when not in use
- Unplug appliances not in use such as coffee maker, toaster, microwave, etc.
- Use microwave or toaster oven to re-heat food instead of full-sized oven
- Use a power strip for electronics that can be easily turned off when not in use
- Turn off computer or use sleep mode
- Fill up dishwasher before running
- Turn off dishwasher heated dry setting and open door to air dry
- Wash and dry only full loads of clothes
- Wash clothes with cold water
- Vent dryer to the outside
- Avoid over drying clothes
- Hang clothes to air dry
- Grill out instead of cooking on the stove and/or oven
- Only run kitchen and bathroom fans as long as necessary
- Check hot water pipes for leaks
- Turn off water heater when going on vacation
- Install a solar water heater
- Wrap insulation around water heater
- Reduce water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees
- Install a water heater timer
- Turn off humidifier or dehumidifier when no longer needed
- Keep generator (if applicable) well-tuned to be prepared for possible power outages
Water Conservation
- Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for plant watering
- Take shorter showers
- Take a shower instead of a bath, uses less hot water
- Capture cold water when running tap for warm or hot water, and re-use (plant watering, coffee maker, etc.)
- Install a low-flow shower head
- Turn water off while brushing teeth
- Check faucets and toilets for leaks
- Flush toilet every other time (with liquid waste)
- Make sure toilet handle doesn’t stick after flushing
- Avoid overwatering with sprinkler system
- Water garden and/or yard early morning or late afternoon to avoid high evaporation
- Landscape with drought tolerant plants
- Mulch around plants to help conserve water
- Utilize spring for irrigation on property (if applicable)
- Minimize vehicle washing
Vehicles and Transportation
- A properly tuned and oiled vehicle with correct tire pressure will get better mileage per gallon
- Trade in gas vehicle for an electric or hybrid vehicle
- Ride a bike
- Walk instead of driving
- Ride a scooter
- Carpool or rideshare
- Use public transportation
- Telecommute if possible
- Try a stay-cation instead of traveling for a vacation
- Shop local and online
- Park in central location for errands and walk to each stop
Day to Day
- Wear season/weather appropriate clothing
- Wear clothing a second time
- Sleep with an extra blanket for warmth
- Dine by candlelight
- Retire to bed 30 minutes earlier and turn off lights
- Turn off the TV and play games, tell stories, play instruments, etc.
- Walk/run outside or at the mall instead of using an electric treadmill
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones
- Use cloth towels and napkins instead of disposable ones
- Purchase fruits & vegetables loose instead of using a plastic bag
- Bring reusable bags to the grocery store
- Mend and repair clothing instead of replacing and discarding
Saving energy and resources is important and beneficial for many reasons, and can improve the quality of life for yourself and others.