Find a Program Find A Contractor About. Energy Saving Tips. Appliances Stoves When you buy or replace a stove, consider purchasing an induction one. If you currently cook with gas, keep the burners clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Blue flames mean good combustion. Yellow flames mean service may be needed to ensure the gas is burning efficiently. Dehumidifiers When operating a dehumidifier, close all doors and windows to ensure the equipment runs efficiently.

Place your dehumidifier away from sources of dust and dirt such as woodworking equipment to avoid clogging coils and grills, which will cause the dehumidifier to waste energy. When you buy or replace a dehumidifier, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified dehumidifier.

ENERGY STAR ® dehumidifiers have more efficient refrigerant coils, compressors, and fans than conventional models, which means they remove the same amount of moisture while using nearly 30 percent less energy.

Dishwashers Choose the correct-sized dishwasher for your household needs. Compact dishwashers use less energy than larger ones. Search for a model with several wash cycle selections to optimize energy savings.

Run full loads in your dishwasher to minimize energy use and save water. Run your dishwasher early in the morning or late at night in the summer to avoid adding to the electricity demand during the hottest time of day in the afternoon.

If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, this may also help lower your utility bill. Select the no-heat drying option when using your dishwasher and let dishes air dry to save energy. When you buy or replace a dishwasher, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified dishwasher.

ENERGY STAR ® dishwashers use advanced technology to get your dishes clean while using less water and energy, leading to lower utility bills.

A new ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher on average will save 3, gallons of water over its lifetime. Dryers Avoid the cost of running your dryer by drying your clothes on a clothesline when weather permits or by using an indoor drying rack.

If you have an electric dryer, run it early in the morning or late at night in the summer to avoid adding to the electricity demand during the hottest time of day in the afternoon. Keep the exhaust vent for your dryer clean and make sure the exterior area it vents to is free from obstructions.

A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use. It can also lead to overheating of your dryer, which could increase the risk of a fire.

Avoid over-drying your clothes by using the moisture sensor to automatically turn off your dryer when the clothes are dry. This will minimize your drying time and not only save you energy but extend the life span of your clothes. Use a low heat or special energy-saving setting on your dryer to use less energy.

Avoid overfilling the dryer, which can cause longer drying cycles. Clean the lint trap in your dryer before every load. This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve air circulation and increase the efficiency of your dryer. Seal gaps around your dryer vents and ducts with caulk or spray foam to save energy.

When you buy or replace a dryer, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified dryer , which features drying systems that help you reduce related energy costs. These dryers use approximately 20 percent less energy than standard models—saving you money while reducing unnecessary wear and tear on your clothes.

For even more savings, consider ENERGY STAR ® certified heat pump dryers - they use almost 30 percent less energy than standard models. Consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates have the potential for large energy and cost savings. Freezers Keep your freezer between 0°F and 5°F.

Any colder is unnecessary to keep food frozen and will use more energy than is required. Minimize the number of times you open your freezer door to keep cool air from escaping. When you replace your freezer, recycle the freezer, so that it is not moved to another location and re-used.

Freezers contain refrigerants, oils, and other compounds that, by federal law, must be removed or recovered. The steel, other metals, and selected parts can be recycled.

When you buy or replace a freezer, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified freezer for maximum energy savings. Freezers that have earned the ENERGY STAR ® label are at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum standard option.

Keep your refrigerator at 35°F to 38°F. Any cooler is unnecessary to keep food fresh and will use more energy than is required. Minimize the number of times you open your refrigerator door to keep cool air from escaping.

Keep the refrigerator condenser coils clean to save energy and avoid repair costs in the future. Allow air circulation behind your refrigerator to avoid overheating. When you buy or replace a refrigerator, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified refrigerator. ENERGY STAR ® models use much less energy than older models.

Consider recycling your second refrigerator or freezer and using a cooler instead for occasional parties to save energy. Washing Machines Wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible.

Avoid using the hot cycle sometimes referred to as the sanitary cycle when using your clothes washer, unless necessary. The hot cycle uses significantly more energy. Wash full loads, which can save you more than 3, gallons of water per year.

If you must wash a partial load, reduce the level of detergent and water appropriately. If your washing machine has spin options, choose the extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. This will reduce drying time and save you energy. Run your washing machine early in the morning or late at night in the summer to avoid adding to the electricity demand during the hottest time of day in the afternoon.

If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, this may also save you money on your utility bill. When you buy or replace a washing machine, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified washing machine , which features wash systems that help you reduce related energy and water costs.

ENERGY STAR ® certified washing machines use approximately 25 percent less energy and approximately 33 percent less water than standard models. They also use a variety of sophisticated cleaning methods that deliver on performance while being gentler on your clothes.

Consider a laptop computer or tablet over a desktop—these devices use less energy. To save energy, reduce the brightness of your computer screen and enable any power management features on your computer.

Use the power management feature on your computer monitor; it will turn off the monitor after 15 minutes of idleness when you leave your computer on. Turn the computer monitor off when you are away from it. If you have a laptop, put it on standby mode to save energy.

When you buy or replace a computer, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified computer. These computers deliver substantial savings over standard models. Office Equipment Copiers, Fax Machines, Printers, Scanners, and Mailing Machines Turn off electronics when they are not in use, as they still draw power.

Plug your copier, fax machine, printer, scanner, all-in-one device, and mailing machine into an advanced power strip so that when you manually switch off your computer or put it in sleep mode , all of the devices will automatically turn off. Set copiers, printers, fax machines, and other office products to standby mode when not in use.

Power Management Tools Use advanced power strips to reduce energy consumption by automatically turning power off when your home energy products are not being used. Advanced power strips are a great way to save time, effort, and money in the form of lower utility bills.

There are two types of advanced power strips to choose from: Tier 1 and Tier 2. With Tier 1 advanced power strips, you designate one device as the control, so when you turn off your TV, for example, other electronics plugged into the strip are automatically shut off.

Tier 2 advanced power strips can save you even more energy. Tier 2 advanced power strips have features similar to those of Tier 1 advanced power strips, but also include either an infrared or motion sensor that can detect when electronics are not being used and turn them off automatically, without you having to do so.

Batteries and Charging Units Consider rechargeable batteries over standard batteries. They are more cost-effective in the long term. Avoid leaving charging units for appliances and battery-operated devices plugged in when not in use. Chargers that are turned off may still draw electricity from the outlet.

If a charger that is plugged in but not in use is warm to the touch, it is wasting energy. Plug your battery charging system or power adapter into a power strip to enable you to shut off power with the flick of a switch. For even more savings, use a power strip with a timer or a programmable power strip.

Entertainment Systems Turn off your digital media players such as DVD and Blu-ray players , audio players, and video game consoles when not in use to avoid wasting energy. When turned off, most electronics continue to draw power. To save energy and time, plug entertainment products into an advanced power strip to centrally turn off all components at once.

For game consoles, activate power saving settings, as gaming system features can use power even when they are not being used. Turn off the controllers when not in use to minimize energy use. Also, install all software updates, as some of them may have power-saving benefits. Stream your content smartly.

Streaming through a game console uses up to 10 times as much energy as streaming on a laptop or tablet. Consider using another kind of device to stream—like a Blu-ray player, set-top box, or smart TV that has earned an ENERGY STAR® label. Telephones When you buy or replace a cordless phone, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified phone.

These phones are, on average, 40 percent more efficient than conventional products. Power Management Tools Use advanced power strips to eliminate energy consumption by automatically turning power off when your electronics and appliances are not being used.

Televisions Turn televisions off when no one is watching them or set up a sleep timer. If purchasing a flat-panel or large-screen television, consider an LCD or LED model.

These use up to 50 percent less energy than an equivalent-sized plasma model. When you buy or replace a television, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified television. ENERGY STAR ® certified televisions are on average 27 percent more energy efficient than conventional models, saving energy in all usage modes such as sleep, idle, and on.

Check with your cable provider to see if it can provide an ENERGY STAR ® rated set-top cable box. Heating and Cooling Equipment When your existing furnace or boiler needs to be replaced consider installing a cleaner, safer, healthier energy efficient heat pump instead.

The cost of operating a heat pump is typically less than oil, propane, or electric resistance. Check your air filters every month, especially during heavy use months such as the summer and winter.

Replace filters at least every three months to keep your equipment running efficiently. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes your system work harder to keep you more comfortable. Have a contractor complete an annual preseason tune-up of your cooling system in the spring and heating system in the fall to keep your systems at peak performance and prevent future problems.

Find and seal any leaks in your duct system. Turning off the lights when leaving a room A basic habit to develop and foster is to make sure that you always turn off the lights when leaving a room.

Use LED lights Many homes are moving towards smart LED lights as they not only look stylish and affordable but are also way more efficient than halogen bulbs.

Switching to efficient appliances Dryers and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home and replacing these with better efficient models can cut the electricity usage by half, thereby reducing your electricity bills.

Unplug devices Needless to say how important it is to unplug devices when not in use. Lessen water usage Some easy fixes to reduce your water consumption could be taking quick showers, using just the required amount of water while cooking and turning off running taps when unused even for seconds.

Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature Aim to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature around 17 degrees, this can make a big difference and save your energy costs. Use smart automated devices Smart automated devices can lower your energy bills even when you forget to.

Use double glazing door Double glazing doors and windows are a perfect solution for a modern home as they can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from heating and cooling thereby reducing your carbon footprint and also lowering your energy bills.

Cook with the lid on This is a super simple hack in everyday life to save energy consumption, by cooking with the lid you are making sure to lessen the cooking time and water usage significantly. Washing at low temp Wash clothes at a cooler temperature and with a full load, you will be saving a lot of water and electricity.

Solar-powered devices These days you can find a solar-powered version of almost any electronic you use in your home. Tim De Chant futureproofreviews. com John Goodman johnlgoodman. com Aaron Hardy axionpower. com Mike Bumgardner wbmgroup. com Matthias energyrates. ca Justin Dring energisecontracting.

uk Alex Fraind kleverness. com Nicholas Failla urban. au Adeel Shabir mycentriq. com Louis Watton shiply. com George Riley spiritenergy. uk Glenn Wiseman tophathomecomfort. com Cassy Aoyagi usgbc-la. org Ryyan Murphy irishheatandair.

com Jesse Hitchcock energyxsolutions. com Ian Wright britishbusinessenergy. uk Vladimir Miskovsky fuergy. com Cisco DeVries ohmconnect. com Adam Justice iot. com Brenda Cuby thegreenfamilia. Written by Valli Vishnubhotla , Content Writer. Related Articles.

How It Works. Become a Partner. We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch? Apply now.

Learn More in Our Guide How to save energy at home? Top alternative energy sources for homes Individual homes can make a difference to the environment Tips to improve the energy rating of your home. John Goodman johnlgoodman. Aaron Hardy axionpower. Mike Bumgardner wbmgroup.

Matthias energyrates. Justin Dring energisecontracting. Alex Fraind kleverness. Nicholas Failla urban. Adeel Shabir mycentriq.

Louis Watton shiply. George Riley spiritenergy. Glenn Wiseman tophathomecomfort. Cassy Aoyagi usgbc-la. Ryyan Murphy irishheatandair. Jesse Hitchcock energyxsolutions.

Ian Wright britishbusinessenergy.

Hot air can escape through joints in ductwork. Applying heating-vent tape to all visible joints will help. Check for drafts by holding a lit incense stick or a candle around window frames and doors. If it flickers, you have a draft. Use caulking around frames, install or replace weatherstripping, and add a door sweep.

In colder months, applying exterior window film will increase efficiency even further. Ceiling fans are great when you need to cool bedrooms, but not the whole house, especially at night.

The washer, dryer and dishwasher all use a lot of energy and often run for long periods of time. If you are on time-of-use rates, try shifting your schedule to wash clothes or dishes in the evening or any time on weekends. Also consider using the air-dry option on the dishwasher and washing clothes on a shorter cycle.

Hang your clothes outside in warm months and inside to air dry during the winter when possible. When the vent at the back of the refrigerator and the clothes dryer exhaust get clogged with dust, the motors work harder, requiring more energy.

Vacuum those areas a couple of times every year. A smart thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 per cent. It work by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature automatically.

For example, if you tend to turn the temperature down before bed at 10 p. You can also control a smart thermostat from an app, whether you're at home or not. So, if your schedule changes unexpectedly, you can still maintain control of your heating and cooling costs from the palm of your hand.

Automating your lighting can also help you save. For lights, install dimmer switches and motion sensors that turn off when you leave the room. Plug countertop appliances and electronic devices into a power bar and program it to switch off at night. Remember that televisions, cable boxes, PVRs and game consoles suck energy even when they're not in use.

Having them all on a single power bar makes it easy to switch them off before everyone goes to bed. Chargers that are plugged in draw power even when no device is attached. For small cooking jobs, use smaller appliances.

For example: a toaster oven or a microwave. If you use foil in the bottom of the oven, be sure not to cover circulation holes. Do not cover racks with foil. You can turn off the oven just before cooking is done, the remaining heat will finish the cooking process.

Dishwasher Do not pre-wash dishes - scrape and rinse. Check and clean dishwasher drains regularly to ensure efficient operation.

Wash only full loads. A dishwasher used once full saves more water and energy than hand washings. Air dry your dishes, do not use the hot dry option.

Washer Run full loads only. Wash in cold or warm water. Hot water sets stains and fades clothing faster. Dryer Make sure clothing is sufficiently "spun" before putting in the dryer. Separate drying loads by weight, i. heavy, medium and light loads. Dry consecutive loads to use heat from the previous load.

Clean the lint filter after each load. Do not add wet clothes to a partially dried load. Use a clothesline whenever possible. Unplug infrequently used TVs as many continue to draw power even when "off. For lights that remain "on" such as nightlights, use the lowest wattage bulbs.

Decorate your home with lighter colors that reflect light. Dust and clean light fixtures regularly. Use dimmer switches to add interest and lower energy use.

Turn off unnecessary lights.

Check with your cable provider to see if it can provide an ENERGY STAR ® rated set-top cable box. Heating and Cooling Equipment When your existing furnace or boiler needs to be replaced consider installing a cleaner, safer, healthier energy efficient heat pump instead. The cost of operating a heat pump is typically less than oil, propane, or electric resistance.

Check your air filters every month, especially during heavy use months such as the summer and winter. Replace filters at least every three months to keep your equipment running efficiently.

A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes your system work harder to keep you more comfortable. Have a contractor complete an annual preseason tune-up of your cooling system in the spring and heating system in the fall to keep your systems at peak performance and prevent future problems.

Find and seal any leaks in your duct system. Air Conditioners When you buy or replace your air conditioners be sure to choose an ENERGY STAR® certified window unit or central air system.

ENERGY STAR® central air conditioners use 8 percent less energy than conventional new modes. Better yet, consider replacing your air conditioner with a newer, energy efficient a heat pump. Heat pumps can significantly reduce your energy use.

To prevent energy loss as winter approaches, remove your window-unit air conditioner or insulate it from the outside with a tight-fitting cover, available at local home improvement or hardware stores.

Check your air filter every month, especially during heavy use months such as the summer. If your filter looks dirty, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. When installing a window unit, make sure it fits tightly so that outside air does not get in. Make sure that the connections at floor vents and registers are well sealed where they meet the floors, walls, and ceiling and are clear of any furniture or rugs.

Boilers Have your boiler serviced on a yearly basis by a qualified contractor to ensure maximum efficiency and performance. When you buy or replace a boiler, consider an extremely efficient, all-in-one heating and cooling heat pump system.

Ceiling Fans On hot summer days when air conditioning is necessary, use a ceiling fan along with your air conditioner to circulate the air throughout the room and cool the room more efficiently.

Make sure the fan is running counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft. In the winter, your ceiling fan can help heat your home more economically. Most fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan in a clockwise direction.

Reversing the fan will force warm air near the ceiling down into the living space. Turn off fans when you leave the room to save energy. When you buy or replace a ceiling fan, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified ceiling fan.

These fans use improved motor and blade designs and are 40 percent more efficient than conventional fan units. Fireplaces Close your fireplace damper tightly when not in use to prevent warmed or cooled air from escaping.

Consider a fireplace balloon or chimney plug for an even tighter seal when your fireplace is not in use.

Consider purchasing a high-efficiency, low-emission wood pellet stove. These heating systems are a cleaner way to use wood for heat than conventional wood stoves and fireplaces. Because these stoves are more efficient, they burn less fuel and can often save homeowners money. NYSERDA offers two incentive options, determined by income, for homeowners to purchase these stoves.

Wood Furnaces Seal and insulate your furnace ducts to improve the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 20 percent. Install glass doors on your furnace to help with heat loss. Make sure you are using dry wood in the furnace to ensure the wood is burning as cleanly as possible.

Consider purchasing an extremely efficient and convenient heat pump system. A heat pump system is an environmentally friendly, affordable, all-in-one heating and cooling system. Radiators If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls to minimize heat loss.

Bleed trapped air out of your radiators at least once a year, for example, often at the beginning of the winter season. When trapped air prevents water or steam from filling the radiator, the radiator may fail to heat efficiently. Thermostats Use smart thermostats to easily program your thermostat and regulate the temperature of your home, no matter where you are.

When you buy or replace a thermostat, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified smart thermostat to receive demonstrated energy savings in addition to reliable performance. Doors Install door bottoms, thresholds, or door shoes to seal gaps beneath exterior doors.

Caulk and weatherstrip around your doors to minimize heat loss and save energy. In hot weather, keep your shades down and the drapes drawn during the hottest time of the day and open them at night. Insulation Consider installing weatherstripping on doors and caulking around windows to effectively seal and insulate against air leaks, making your home more comfortable and efficient.

Learn more about sealing and insulation. Windows As winter approaches, replace your window screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air.

You can also put up window plastic to protect against drafty windows in the winter. Take steps to protect against water condensation on interior window surfaces, such as by using bathroom and kitchen fans when you cook or shower, circulating air with ceiling fans even in the winter , adding weatherstripping to windows, or purchasing a Fresh Air Exchange.

When you buy or replace windows, purchase ENERGY STAR ® certified windows. Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR ® certified windows can lower household utility bills by an average of 12 percent. Decorative Lighting Turn off holiday lights at night or attach them to a programmable timer or photosensor that detects daylight to prevent energy waste.

When you buy or replace decorative lighting, purchase ENERGY STAR ® certified light strings. They consume 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent light strings. Light Bulbs Replace conventional light bulbs such as incandescent, halogen, fluorescent with energy-efficient light bulb options such as LEDs, LED fixtures, smart light bulbs.

Energy-efficient lighting uses less energy and lasts longer. When you buy or replace light bulbs, purchase light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR ® label. This is the easiest and most reliable way to ensure the light bulb you purchase delivers exceptional features while using less energy.

ENERGY STAR ® light bulbs use 70 to 90 percent less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last at least 15 times as long.

Dimmers allow you to better control indoor lighting; when you dim light bulbs, it reduces their wattage and output, which helps you save energy. Motion sensors and photosensors prevent outdoor lights from operating during daylight hours.

Home Energy Management Systems allow you to automatically turn lighting on and off in your home using a computer dashboard or mobile app. Consult with your local hardware store to ensure dimmers, motion sensors, and photosensors are compatible with the light bulb or fixture you are using.

When replacing light fixtures, purchase ENERGY STAR ® certified light fixtures. These fixtures use 90 percent less energy and produce 70 to 90 percent less heat than conventional models using incandescent light bulbs. These fixtures also last 15 times as long as incandescent light bulbs.

Alternative Transportation If you have to drive to work each day, consider taking advantage of carpools and rideshare programs. You could cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes, which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.

Visit NYRideshare. org and explore your transportation options. Explore work-from-home options with your employer to significantly reduce transportation-related costs. Consider walking and biking to reduce pollution and traffic from vehicles.

Buying a Vehicle Purchase an electric vehicle. Not only are electric vehicles cleaner, but they offer a cutting-edge driving experience, save money on fuel, and need less maintenance than gas or diesel cars. Driving Install low-rolling-resistance tires, which improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.

Keep your vehicle engine properly tuned to avoid repair costs, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce pollution. When traveling longer distances, use cruise control at the designated travel speed to save fuel. Leave vehicle rooftop luggage racks, kayak holders, and ski racks on your car only when necessary, as they add weight, reduce aerodynamics, and decrease fuel efficiency.

Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure to improve your gas mileage by up to 3 percent. Properly inflated tires are also safer and last longer. Doing so can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Avoid idling, which gets 0 miles per gallon.

Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas idling than do cars with smaller engines. Idling for just five minutes increases fuel consumption by seven to 14 percent. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked to save fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions.

Avoid aggressive driving speeding, rapid acceleration, and sudden braking , which wastes fuel. It can lower your fuel mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Combine errands into one trip to save time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra pounds in your vehicle could reduce your gas mileage by about 1. Chimneys To minimize heat loss around chimney and furnace flues, cover the gaps with metal flashing, and caulk small gaps with high-temperature caulk.

Pool Pumps Use the smallest pump appropriate for your swimming pool to save energy. Use a timer for your pool pump to turn the pump on only as needed to keep the water clean. Follow a program of regular maintenance and clean the filter as recommended to maintain maximum efficiency.

When buying a new pool pump, look for a variable-speed pump; it saves more energy than a single-speed pump. When you buy or replace a pool pump, purchase an ENERGY STAR ® certified pool pump , which uses up to 70 percent less energy than standard pool pumps.

Use covers when they are not in use to save energy and conserve water. Solar There are several options available if you want to get solar for your home, including home installation rooftop or ground-mounted and community solar.

Learn more about available solar options for your home. Water Fixtures Install low-water-use fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms, such as a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage. Consider reducing the time of your showers to conserve water and save energy.

Repair any faucet leaks in your home. Fixing drips is a cost-effective and easy way to save energy. Water Heaters When your existing water heater needs to be replaced, consider installing a heat pump water heater. A heat pump water heater is up to three times more efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.

If you have an older electric domestic hot water DHW heater seven years or older , you can improve its insulation by wrapping it with an insulating jacket. Saving energy also doesn't have to be hard. Making even a few small changes around your home can potentially result in big financial savings.

Below are a few tips on ways you can get started. Determining the energy efficiency of your home is the first step toward understanding what you need to do to fix the places where your home is leaking energy. Perhaps your windows need caulking or maybe your heating and cooling equipment is antiquated and needs replacing.

Maybe your older home has less insulation than is ideal. All this and more can be determined by having a certified professional visit your home and perform an energy audit. For more information about energy audits, see our blog.

Heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense, according to the U.

Department of Energy. Set thermostats a few degrees higher and use ceiling fans. Every degree you lower your thermostat by can increase your energy use by 6 to 8 percent. Place thermostats away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights and windows.

There may be one price tag on an appliance at the store but there is another invisible one beyond what it costs to purchase it: the price it costs to operate it. If your appliances are over 10 years old, it's likely the energy technology to run them has improved dramatically. When looking for new appliances, look for those with the ENERGY STAR qualification.

These appliances use advanced technologies to ensure anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy usage than standard appliances. Products in more than 60 categories, from dishwashers to refrigerators, are currently eligible for an ENERGY STAR rating.

For more information, check out our Appliance Guide. skip to main content. Contact Us Log In. Search Close. See What We Offer. How Can We Help You? Energy Saving Tips That Can Make a Difference. Home Page Energy Resources to Help Understand Energy Energy Saving Tips Print. Energy Choice Energy Education Energy Innovation Energy Safety Tips Energy Saving Tips Moving Tips and Tricks Weather Preparedness FAQs Blogs.