A Little Means a Lot ... Immediate Actions

Heating / Cooling

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees or the “normal” setting and always place it on the lowest setting when you are away from home. In many homes, water heating can account for as much as 13% of the total energy expenses.
• Washing clothes in cold water significantly reduces the energy needed to run your washer. Almost 90% of a washer’s energy is used to heat water.
• Improving the insulation, as well as sealing cracks, gaps and leaks in your home, can reduce your heating and cooling costs by 20%.
• Save 20% on your air-conditioning expenses by setting your thermostat 5 degrees higher.
• Minimize your need for air conditioning by installing ceiling fans (which use less energy than a light bulb!), keeping the shades drawn and windows and doors closed throughout the day.
• Your refrigerator's temperature should be set between 37-40 degrees and your freezer should not be lower than 5 degrees.
• Check that your fridge and freezer are sealing properly. To do so, place a thin piece of paper (the size of a dollar bill) in the door. If it can be removed easily with a tug, the seals need to be replaced. Repeat this test annually.
• When cooking on the stovetop, use lids on pans to cut the time necessary to cook food or boil water.
• Keep the coils on the back of your fridge clean and leave at least an inch or two between the back of your fridge and the wall to allow proper air circulation.
• Turn off the oven or stovetop a few minutes before you are finished cooking. The vessels will retain their heat and complete the cooking without wasting energy.
  
• When using the stove, match the size of the pan with the size of the coil so as not to waste unnecessary energy.
• If cooking with gas on the stovetop, control the flame so that it does not extend up the sides of the pot.
• Keep the coils of your stovetop clean so that the heat projects directly onto the pot or pan and is not drawn away by excess grime or grease.

Water

• Water faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads can decrease both your water heating costs and water use by 50%, which can equal an annual savings of up to $300.

Electricity

• Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to reduce lighting costs by 75%.
• When left plugged in, the small electronic items in your house can use as much energy as your refrigerator. Unplug electronics, such as your mobile phone charger, when they are not being used.
• Use task lights or desktop lamps rather than unnecessarily lighting an entire room. Minimize your use of overhead lights and turn off all lights when they are not being used.
• Activate the “power management” mode on your computer so that it automatically goes to “sleep” when not in use, and always turn it off at night. Laptop computers are much more energy-efficient than desktop computers.
• Proper maintenance of your dryer improves its energy efficiency. Clean the lint filter after every load, keep the outside vent clear and opt to line-dry your clothes whenever possible. When the time comes to buy a new dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that signals the dryer to automatically turn off when the clothes are dry.

Other

• Buy ENERGY STAR (the internationally recognized standard for energy efficient products) appliances and equipment. Because it is a government supported program, consumers of these products are eligible for rebates, tax credits and other incentives.
• Installation of an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you between $100-$150 annually. When installing the thermostat, make sure it is located away from naturally cool or hot places in your home.
• You can save energy just by using your freezer. Having frozen goods in your freezer actually helps to keep it cold — but don’t over-pack it; there still needs to be room for the cool air to circulate.