Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when they are not in use.
Unplug idle power adapters and cell-phone chargers.
Install a programmable thermostat. You can save approximately 5 percent on your bill by setting the temperature back in the winter and turning it up in the summer.
Regularly change or clean filters in heating and cooling equipment.
Use fans.
Control sunlight through windows. In warmer weather, block the windows with curtains or shades to keep the interior cooler. In colder weather, let the sunlight in to help warm your home.
Perform basic weatherization. This includes repairing holes and cracks that let in drafts and weather-stripping or caulking around doors and windows. It also includes plugging leaks and fixing gaps in insulation on ducts and pipes.
Try washing clothes in cold water. You may save up to $100 annually on water heating.
Don’t over dry clothes. Running a typical drier for 15 minutes less per load can save you up to $35 per year.
If you have an old refrigerator or other appliance that you barely use, unplug it. These can add up to 15 percent to your electric bill.
Lighting Tips
For outdoor lights, install motions sensors or timers to turn them off when not needed.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency, Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs . Energy Star labeled LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Do not place lamps near a thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat produced from the lamp which can change how often your furnace or air conditioner will run.
Consider safer, more efficient Energy Star torchiere lamps over popular halogen torchiere lamps. Halogen lamps can cause fires, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While relatively inexpensive to purchase, halogen lamps are expensive to operate.
