Energy Saving Tips

From turning on the lights when you get up in the morning to getting to and from work, your day is full of energy consumption. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, around 70 percent of that energy comes from non-renewable resources. Conserving even a little bit of that energy on a daily basis can help ensure the world has energy for centuries to come. If helping preserve resources for future generation is not enough to persuade you to save energy, the money you can save as a result may be the motivation you need.

General Tips and Tricks

Saving energy does not take a lot of effort, nor does it require a lot of money. Whether it is summer or winter, you can make simple changes to your lifestyle and your home to cut down on your energy usage and cut the cost of your energy bills.

• PG&E: Seasonal Tips – Different temperatures and other seasonal conditions have an effect on your energy usage, so Pacific Gas & Electric gives tips to help you save energy during the summer, winter, and all year-round.
• Summertime Energy-Saving Tips – You can save energy and still keep cool during the summer with some simple lifestyle changes and by making sure you use your appliances efficiently.
• Energy Savers Booklet – The U.S. Department of Energy has created a booklet to outline ways to save money by saving energy, focusing on areas such as lighting, car maintenance, home electronics, and windows.
• 101 Money-Saving Tips – We Energies provides a multitude of tips, 101 to be exact, to help you cut your energy costs without investing a lot of time or money.
• SBA: Tips for Energy Efficiency – If you own a small business, these tips from the Small Business Association will help save your business money.
• NDRC: How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption – Focus on the basics to help you save energy with simple tips from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Saving Energy: California Energy Commission – Teach kids how to save energy with simple tips from the California Energy Commission, ranging from enjoying toys without batteries to turning off lights when you leave a room.
• Top 10 Tips for Renters – Renters often cannot replace appliances or major household systems, but there are still steps they can take to save energy in their rental, no matter how old or out-of-date it may be.
• NV Energy: Energy Tips – Find simple ways to save 10-25 percent on your energy bill with the no cost, limited cost and added cost tips from Nevada Energy.

Heating and Cooling

Changing the way you heat and cool your house can make a major difference in the amount of energy you use. Regularly servicing your heating and cooling systems will help make sure they’re running properly and not wasting energy. Other simple, inexpensive fixes, such as re-caulking your windows, will also help reduce your energy use and save you money.

• Energy Star: Heat and Cool Efficiently – Find what maintenance your equipment needs and what accessories to invest in to make sure your heating and cooling systems are running at their best.
• Flex Your Power: Cooling Tips – Look for no cost, low cost and good investment ways to cool your home while saving energy and saving money.
• TXU Energy: Heating & Cooling Tips – These seven tips for reducing your heating and cooling costs are accompanied by videos and product recommendations to make the job easy.
• Energy Savers: Space Heating and Cooling – Learn how to find the right heating and cooling systems based on your location and the type of home you own or rent.
• Heating and Cooling Energy Savings Tips – The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning provides tips on improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, including your water heater.
• CPS Energy: Heating and Cooling Efficiency – Read the efficiency tips and watch CPS Energy video tips to improve how efficiently you heat and cool your home.
• Air Conditioning Energy Efficiency Tips – Find tips for multiple types of cooling systems, including central air conditioning, room air conditioners, ceiling fans, and evaporative coolers.

Energy-Saving Appliances

Buying and installing Energy Star appliances is an easy way to save energy, but replacing your current appliances with new energy-saving versions can be a major investment. Before making the switch, you must determine if the investment is worth the savings. If it is, then it is time to start reviewing energy-saving models to determine which are best for your home.

• Energy Star: Find Energy Star Appliances – Start here to find all of the Energy Star certified brands and models on the appliances you need.
• Efficient Appliances Save Energy – and Money – Discover the benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and learn about finding the right appliances for your needs.
• Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings Online – The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy offers a home energy checklist and resources, such as federal tax incentives, to help you decide whether upgrading to energy-saving appliances is right for you.
• Green Shopping: Appliances – Access buying guides to help you find the most efficient, highest-performing energy-saving appliances.
• Efficiency Maine: Energy Saving Appliance Tips – Find no cost tips for improving the efficiency of your major household appliances.
• Consumer Reports: Energy Saving & Green Living – Learn more about the ratings systems for energy-saving appliances and other energy-saving products, then check out the best energy-saving products for you home.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances – This technology fact sheet breaks down how much you can save by investing in energy-saving appliances and offers tips to use when purchasing those appliances.

Return to our Resources Page for more tips and tricks on how to save!