Here are some immediate actions you might consider to conserve energy…
- Turn off your computer, lights, stereo, TV and other appliances when not in use.
- Unplug adapters (like your cell phone charger and MP3 player) when not in use, as the charger will use energy 24/7 even when your item is not charging. Use a power strip for items (like an entertainment system) and turn power strip off when not in use (anything with a remote control is constantly drawing electricity).
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of incandescent light bulbs. CFL bulbs consume about 75 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb with an equivalent CFL can save $54 during the bulb’s lifetime, according to estimates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- During the daytime, use natural lighting when possible - open your blinds to brighten up the room. During the night, close your blinds or curtains to keep the heat in your room.
- Save energy with no effort by enabling your computer's energy-saving features. Always turn your computer off if you will not be using it within the next hour.
- Consider energy-efficient computer systems and monitors when you replace a system. Flat-screen monitors use 50-70% less energy.
- Turn your refrigerator temperature up (while retaining a healthy level). Most refrigerators are set at a temperature that is unnecessarily cold, resulting in accidentally frozen food.
- Buy ENERGY STAR®-qualified consumer electronics and appliances.
- Use cold for the wash cycle (instead of hot) when you do your laundry, and always rinse in cold. Colder water also ensures your fabric colors will not run!
- Consider using a clothing rack or hangers to air-dry your laundry instead of using the dryer. This will help the quality of your clothing last longer and the extra humidity from the drying clothes can also make your room feel warmer!
- Heating and cooling play a major role in home and business energy consumption. Make sure your system is properly maintained and that the filters are clean. And consider keeping your thermostat on 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. For every degree you raise the air conditioner setting in the summer – or lower the heating setting in the winter – you can save up to 3 percent in energy costs.
- Consider window/door replacement, or install devices to harness renewable energy sources to supplement the power supply to your home or office – this will save energy and allow you to take advantage of recently approved federal tax credits!
Additional Energy-Savings Resources:
At Home
At the Office
Alliance to Save Energy
Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings
Energy Star
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
State and Federal Programs:
Virginia Energy Plan