Energy Saving Tips |
| Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save 75% of lighting costs. |
| Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator. |
| Take steps to cut water use such as installing faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and low-flush toilets. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water. |
| A 5° higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10% on cooling costs. |
| Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs. |
| Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. |
| Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights. |
| Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models. |
| When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy use in a clothes washer goes to water heating. |
| Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use. |
| Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry. |
|
