Low-cost ways to save energy

Lighting

Replace light bulbs with lower wattage bulbs, i.e., replace a 100-watt bulb with a 60-watt.

For even greater savings replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Find out more about CFL bulbs.

Air Conditioning

A programmable thermostat can help automate temperature adjustments so you don’t have to keep track of them yourself.

Clean or replace the filter every month. Your AC has to work harder when your filter is dirty.

Installing a ceiling fan can save electricity by making the room feel around 10° F cooler while using far less energy than your air conditioner. Find out more about saving electricity with ceiling fans.

Electronics

Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Rechargeable batteries cost a bit more up front, but will save you money in the long run and keep discarded batteries out of the landfills.

Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new electronics. Energy Star qualified products generally use about half the electricity of standard products. In some cases Energy Star qualified electronics can save as much as 90 percent of the energy required by other products.*

Windows

Caulk and weatherstrip your windows to stop air leaks.

*Source: www.energystar.gov dated 6/19/08