- 1). Switch to compact florescent, or better yet LED, light bulbs. The LED light bulbs are still in their infancy so they tend to be more expensive. Both of these types of bulbs use less energy than old incandescent bulbs, as well as lasting much longer, so they need replaced less often.
- 2). Reduce or eliminate phantom loads. These are things like power bricks, small lights on appliances, almost anything with a remote. They draw power all the time, which over time can really add up.
- 3
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Only run the washer, dryer and dishwasher when they are full. This will save on electricity as well as water. Better still, for drying clothes put them on the clothes line, not only would this save electricity but the clothes smell wonderful. - 4). Set the heat down a couple degrees and the air conditioner up a couple degrees. Even if you use gas heat there is mostly likely still some electricity involved for fans or pumps.
- 5). Turn the lights off when you leave a room. Were you listening to music or watching TV? Turn them off as well when they are not getting used. Does a closet light get left on by accident? Consider installing a timer instead of a switch, how long can you really stand there trying to decide what to wear!?
- 6). Make sure to replace filters regularly. Fans and pumps have to work harder to push air or water through a dirty filter.
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