You don't always have to make sweeping changes like upgrading appliances or replacing windows to save energy.
Sometimes all it takes is the cumulation of small lifestyle changes to add up to savings.
- When you use your printer—at home or at work—print on both sides of the paper.
- Invest in a single power strip to tuck behind your entertainment center.
- Plug your TV, speakers and other electronics into it. Then, switch thepower strip off every night before bedtime so of those devices draw electricity when not in use.
- Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it. Stop washing dishes by hand—it uses up to twice as much water and energy as the dishwasher.
- Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot. This could save you up to $40 a year.
- Lower your water heater’s temperature by just 2 degrees. You won’t notice the difference when you shower, but you will notice it on your energy bill.
- Keep your freezer full. It takes more energy to cool an empty space than a full one.
- Hang an outdoor clothesline. Pull nearly dry clothes out of the washer and hang them; they don’t need to go into the dryer. That will cut the number of dryer cycles you use.
- Slide your refrigerator a couple of inches away from the wall. Pressing it up against a wall limits air circulation behind it and makes the appliance work harder, which uses more energy.
- Skip the hair dryer. You’ll save energy by air-drying rather than blowdrying—and your hair will be protected from heat damage, too.
- Turn things off when you’re not using them: lights, ceiling fans, space heaters, the TV, your computer—anything that’s electric.
Want even more tips on saving energy? Visit our Saving Energy Section.