Energy Saving Information

You will find tips for saving energy and money at home and even in the office. We bring you the latest information for heating and cooling, insulation, lighting, appliances, landscaping, and renewable energy to power your home. Some of the tips are easy enough to do, while others may require more effort and investment, but promise big savings over the years.

Green Living Ideas

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.

Always look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels when shopping for home appliances. The ENERGY STAR® label is the government's seal of energy efficiency. The EnergyGuide label estimates an appliance's energy consumption.

Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation. 
Consider air-drying clothes on clothes lines or drying racks. Air-drying is recommended by clothing manufacturers for some fabrics. 

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Energy Saving

Consider buying a laptop for your next computer upgrade; they use much less energy than desktop computers. 

Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it. 
Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes. 

Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages. 

There is a common misconception that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors; they do not. Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always the better energy-saving strategy.

Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. 

Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.

Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting. 

When shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, it will save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.