1) Replace Fixtures and Bulbs
Replace fixtures and bulbs with ENERGY STAR Certified lighting products.
Lighting is one of the easiest places to start saving energy. Replacing your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR Certified lights can save $70 a year in energy costs.
2) Check Air Registers
Make sure that the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork. Also make sure that all vents are clear of any furniture or rugs to improve air flow and comfort.
3) Enable Power Management on Computer/Monitor
Most home office equipment is left on 24 hours a day. Remember: Office equipment that is set automatically to switch to sleep mode not only uses less energy, it runs cooler and helps the equipment last longer, allowing for savings on air conditioning, as well.
4) Maximize Your Dishwasher
Try to always run your dishwasher with a full load and use the air-dry option if available. Instead of rinsing dirty dishes before loading your dishwasher (uses a lot of water and energy), try scraping them instead. Most dishwashers today can thoroughly clean dishes that have had food scraped, rather than rinsed, off — the wash cycle and detergent take care of the rest. To maximize use of your dishwasher’s energy and water consumption, run the dishwasher only at full load.
5) Buy the Right Size A/C Unit
When buying new heating and cooling equipment such as a central air conditioning unit, proper sizing and quality installation are critical to your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Remember: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Equipment that’s too big can cause reduced comfort and excessive noise. Oversizing can also shorten the lifespan of the equipment by causing it to cycle on and off more frequently than a properly sized unit. However, undersized equipment can reduce the efficiency and accelerate wear on system components, leading to early failure. Buy the right size.
6) Don’t Over-Dry Your Clothes
If your dryer has a moisture sensor that will automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done, use it to avoid over drying. Clean the lint trap before every load for optimal drying and dry full loads, or reduce drying time for partial loads. A dryer operating just an extra 15 minutes per load can add up to more than $35 at the end of the year….$350 in 10 years.
There are many more ways to save energy while still maintaining the comforts of your home. Stay tuned for more as we keep you informed…