Cooling
- Keep all the doors and windows tightly closed when using your AC.
- Clean or change your AC’s air filters once a month.
- Check if your AC has a rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of SEER of 15. Open your doors to have the natural air cool your homes.
- Check if you have leaks and make sure to replace them.
- Close unused air vents.
- Plant trees on your backyard for shade.
- Use more ceiling fans at home and you can raise the temperature of your thermostat and still feel cool.
- Install programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature.
Lighting
- Find local retailers that offer energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs at a discounted price.
- Compact fluorescents are more energy-efficient that regular bulbs so just replace your regular bulb and you can have the same amount of lighting with less.
- Use the appropriate CFL bulb for your light fixture.
- Use motion detector for outdoor lighting. They’re efficient and convenient.
- Recycle CFL bulbs.
- Use Energy Star products and replace your 5 most-used light fixtures and/or light bulbs.
- Use timers to turn lights on in the morning and to turn it off during the day.
- Place light-colored or opaque lamps in corners for them to reflect light from two walls at a time.
- Install fluorescent tubes for your workshops or playrooms.
Appliances
- Use toaster ovens or microwaves to reheat leftovers.
- Set your refrigerator temperature between 30-42 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Repair refrigerator door seals if you feel the cold air around the closed door or if there’s moisture collecting.
- Dust your fridge when you clean your house. Cleaning it keeps the costs down.
- Keep your freezer full because it uses lesser energy than an empty freezer. If you don’t have anything to put, simply place gallons of water inside.
- When buying refrigerators, look for the yellow EnergyGuide label to compare features.
- Choose models with improved insulation and power-saving switches.
- Wash and dry several loads at once.
- Avoid over-drying your clothes.
- Separate wash loads into light and heavy fabrics. Or you can simply air-dry the lightest fabrics.
- Vent your dryer outside to reduce the work of your AC.
- Clean the dryer lint filter before you use the dryer.
- Set dishwashers to economy mode.
- Use copper-bottomed pots and pans that absorbs heat faster when cooking.
- Match the size of your pot to the burner.
- Look for EnergyGuide labels.
Water heating
- Always wash with cold water.
- Check hot water pipes for leaks.
- Use aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce hot water use.
- Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
- Install solar water power.
- Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
- Install timer for your water heater.
Electronics
- Plug electronics into power strips then turn the strips off when not in use.
- Consider using laptops instead of desktop computers.
- Set your computer or laptop to sleep or hibernate mode.
Windows
- Consider high-performance windows before replacing your AC system.
- Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council label when shopping for new windows.
Roofing
- Apply reflective coating.