Knowledge Base

Quick & Easy Tips

• Replace standard (incandescent) light bulbs and fixtures with compact (ENERGY STAR® labeled CFLs) or standard fluorescent lamps. (See details in Lighting Tips).
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Make sure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use.
• If you plug in your car during the winter, use an outdoor timer device.
• Caulk around all window frames. (See Insulating for more ideas.)