1. Change your light bulbs.
Replace the 5 most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STARTM label. These bulbs are available at any hardware store and generally install just like incandescent bulbs they replace.
2. Buy Energy Star TM labeled products.
The next time you go to make a purchase, look for ENERGY STARTM labeled products. These products are available in more than 40 product categories, including lighting and home appliances. These products often do not cost any more upfront to purchase, but over the long term can save you lots of money! Learn more about ENERGY STARTM.
3. Set back your thermostat.
Use an ENERGY STARTM qualified programmable thermostat to control your heating and cooling equipment. According to research performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning back your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. If that seems like a lot to you, try getting to 10 to 15 degrees in increments.
4. Use a low flow showerhead.
Replace an inefficient showerhead (over 2.5 gallons per minute) with an efficient showerhead (ideally 1.5 gallons per minute). Here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:
- Place a bucket, marked in gallon increments, under your existing showerhead.
- Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
- Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark. If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow showerhead
5. Use a low flow faucet aerator in your bathroom.
Replace an inefficient bathroom faucet aerator (the screw tip on the faucet) with an efficient faucet aerator (.5 to 1 gallon per minute). When replacing an aerator, bring the one you're replacing to the store with you to ensure a proper fit.
6. Seal air leaks!
Air leakage or infiltration occurs when outside air enters a house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. Properly air sealing such cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
7. Tell family and friends.
Spread the word that energy efficiency is good for your home and good for the environment.
8. Make informed investments in your home.
If you are thinking about making improvements to your home, contact us to schedule a home energy audit. A CEC rater will perform a comprehensive energy audit of your home and will be able to tell you the types of investments you can make in your home that will give you the best rate of return.
9. Buy an ENERGY STARTM Rated home.
If you are looking to buy a new or existing home, ask if the home has had a home energy rating performed on it or (at a minimum) ask to see the copies of the utility bills. Your long term housing costs include a lot more than just the mortgage. Utility costs quickly add up to thousands of dollars. You should know what you are getting yourself into.
10. Learn more!
Take a virtual tour of an energy efficient home or check out our energy efficiency resources page.