Electric Conservation
Even if you rent an apartment or townhouse you can make a big difference, too! These tips will show you how to be more energy efficient to save energy, money, and reduce the risks of climate change. If there are things you can't change on your own, share these tips and encourage your landlord to help you make a change for the better.
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 qualified lights can save more than $65 a year on energy costs. ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) provide high-quality light output, use 75% less energy, and last 6–10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs.
Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving a room. Turning off just one 60-watt incandescent bulb that would otherwise burn eight hours a day can save about $15 per year!
Unplug your electronics when not needed. Consumer electronics play an increasingly larger role in your home's energy consumption, accounting for 15% of household electricity use. Even when turned off, electronic and IT equipment often use a small amount of electricity. Using a power strip for your computer and all peripheral equipment allows you to completely disconnect the power supply from the power source, eliminating standby power consumption.
Proper air circulation. Make sure all air registers are clear of furniture so that air can circulate freely.
Use your drapes. During cold weather, take advantage of the sun's warmth by keeping drapes open during daylight hours. To keep out the heat of the summer sun, close window shades and drapes in warm weather.
Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible. To save water, try to wash full loads or, if you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of water appropriately.
Don't over dry your clothes. Dry full loads or reduce drying time for partial loads. If your dryer has a moisture sensor that will automatically turn the machine off when clothes are done, use it to avoid over drying. A dryer operating an extra 15 minutes per load can cost you up to $34, every year. Remember to clean the lint trap before every load. This step also can save you up to $34 each year.