Refrigerator/Freezer
- Purchase an ENERGY STAR® when buying a new refrigerator or freezer.
- Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 F and 42 F. Set the freezer control between -5 F and +6 F.
- Clean the unit. Clean dust off the coils or filters.
- Check the rubber seals on the door.
- Peeking wastes energy. Keep your food cold and fresh by limiting opening the fridge.
Water Heater
- Purchase an energy-efficient model.
- Set the heater to 120 F.
- Repair any dripping faucets promptly.
- Install water saving devices. Use low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets.
Oven or Stove
- Reduce the heat. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy.
- Don’t peek in the oven. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25 F & requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up.
- Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking.
- Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container.
Bathroom
Shorten your showers by just two minutes. Each shower could save you up to 233 kWh and $56 per year per person in your household. Plus, you’ll save on your water bill too.
Dishwasher/Sinks
- Air drying dishes instead of using the heated dryer setting on your dishwasher can save you 110 kWh and $23 per year. Wash only full loads of dishes.
- Fix a leaky faucet. You can save $9 a year on a leaky faucet that drips one hot water drop per second.
Lighting
- Replace old bulbs with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes).
- Use motion-detecting switches on outdoor lighting.
Cooling your Home
- Use fans instead of air conditioners. Even if you use your air conditioner, use fans to circulate cold air and save energy and money
- Check to see that windows and doors are closed when cooling your home.
- Cooking outdoors can reduce heat in your home saving you on cooling. Your AC won’t have to work so hard.
- Set your AC to energy saving mode so it shuts off automatically when your home temperature has cooled sufficiently.
Clothes Washers & Dryers
- Wash full load of clothes in cold water.
- Hang clothes instead of using the dryer.
Others
- Electronic items like computers, printers, DVD players, camera battery chargers, AC adapters and cell phone chargers all use standby power when not in use. By connecting these devices to a power strip to turn these items off, you can save 50 kWh and $10.50 per year.
- Use your TV remote automatic controls for brightness to reduce energy use by up to 30%.
- Make the switch to ENERGY STAR® certified products to save energy, save money and protect the climate.