Top 10 Energy-Smart Tips
- Plug energy leaks. Use sealant and weather stripping to plug air leaks around doors and windows, and add appropriate insulation to lower your cooling and heating bills up to 20%. And get a federal tax credit for these home energy efficiency improvements. (www.ase.org/taxcredits)
- Cooling puts the greatest stress on your summer energy bill. Clean or replace air conditioning filters monthly to keep bills down and equipment running efficiently.
- A programmable thermostat “remembers for you” to adjust the indoor temperature according to your daily and weekend routines to avoid wasting energy and money while the house is empty. It reduces cooling costs up to 10%.
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use about 2/3 less energy of incandescent bulbs, generate 70 percent less heat, and last up to 10 times longer.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label, the symbol of energy efficiency, on 40 different products - appliances, electronics, lighting, ceiling fans, home office equipment, windows, and more - to save up to 30% on related home energy bills. Electronics with the ENERGY STAR use less energy in the "off mode."
- Activate “sleep” features on computers and office equipment that power down when the equipment is not in use for a while. Turn off equipment during long periods of non-use to cut costs and improve longevity.
- Close blinds or shades on the south- and west-facing windows during the day or install shading devices such as trellises or awnings to avoid heat build-up.
- Turn off everything not in use: lights, TVs, computers, all other electronics.