LED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR rated products — use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.
Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 20,000 gallons each month.
If you have a swimming pool, get a cover. You’ll cut the loss of water by evaporation by 90 percent.
Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
When washing dishes by hand, use two basins – one for washing and one for rinsing rather than let the water run.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it.
Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded.
To prevent water loss from evaporation, don’t water your lawn during the hottest part of the day or when it is windy.
Don’t over water your lawn. Only water every three to five days in the summer and 10 to 14 days in the winter.
Shading your air conditioner unit not only saves energy, but helps lengthen the life of the unit. The shade provided by a tree or shrub eases the strain on an air conditioner unit. Just be sure not to block the air circulation necessary to run the machine efficiently.
Use natural sunlight to light your home and warm up a room in the winter. In summer, use shades or drapes to keep your rooms cool.
Ceiling fans used alone or along with an air conditioner can save on your air conditioner costs and work best in rooms with high ceilings.
Spare your electric range and oven by cooking meals in a toaster oven, slow cooker, or other energy-savings appliance. If you must use your oven, cook several dishes at once and turn it off a few minutes before the food is cooked.
Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 110-120 degrees and insulate it. Water heater jackets are available at local hardware outlets.
Remember to turn off all appliances when not using them.
Clean your refrigerator condenser every 3 months.
Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible in the summer, and ensure humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.