How Can I Save?
Below are tools to help you get started on your home energy savings plan and see how your simple actions can make a big difference. Start saving now!
Together We Save is a comprehensive campaign aimed at educating member-owners about energy conservation and efficiency. The website is interactive including a virtual "Home Energy Adventure", a game that uses quizzes to test your energy efficiency skills and learn how to improve your home's energy efficiency and ultimately save money!
Energy Use Calculators
Finding Energy Savings: Financing and Incentives Financial incentives and assistance for energy efficient and renewable energy products and improvements in the form of rebates, tax credits, or financing programs. » See energy.gov/energysaver/financing-and-incentives for suggestions
Appliances: Refrigerator Replacement Calculator How much can you save by getting rid of an old refrigerator and replacing it with an Energy Star model?» Estimate your savings here
Finding Energy Savings: Energy Star Home Advisor Energy Star will provide suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Finding Energy Savings: Home Energy Yardstick from Energy Star: Use your utility bills to see how your home compares to others in energy use.
Lights: Energy Star Choose a Light Guide Find the right light for your situation, both outdoors and in. »Find your best bulb here
Compare the cost to operate various vehicles using your driving habits as a basis.» U.S. Department of Energy
Federal Tax Credit Information
ENERGY STAR lists federal income tax credits for energy efficiency.
Please note that the tax credit information contained within the ENERGY STAR website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for expert advice from a professional tax/financial planner or the IRS.
Lumen Information & Choose A Light Guide
Visit energy.gov for information on lumens and the lighting facts label.
With ENERGY STAR's interactive Choose A Light Guide, you can pick just the right bulb for your home fixtures.
Manage Energy Costs
Here are some energy efficiency initiatives you can take to manage your heating expenses. You will not only save money, but you will help the environment.
1. Change your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use 65 percent less energy than regular ones. They cost about 30 percent more but last up to 10 times longer.
2. Use an electric blanket and turn down your thermostat at night. Install an automatic or programmable "set back" thermostat for nights or during the day when no one is home.
3. Add more insulation. A typical home can lose as much as one-third of its heat through poorly insulated roof or walls. Use materials with a high efficiency rating number.
4. Caulk or weather strip windows or doors. Drafts can occur wherever two different building materials or parts of a building meet. A typical home can lose as much as one-third of its heat through drafts.
5. Investigate the advantage of installing a ground source heat pump, which is 300 percent energy efficient. Call your local energy advisor for more details about using the earth's energy in your home as a heating/cooling source.
6. Turn off your computer and home entertainment equipment. If you're not going to use them for awhile, save some energy and shut down or unplug. Turn off unnecessary lights and televisions in rooms that are unoccupied.
7. Watch what you purchase and look for the Energy Star rating on all new appliances. Think about purchasing Energy Star gifts when it comes to electronics.
8. Use cold water to wash your clothes. Or, at least always rinse in cold water.
9. Clean your dryer lint filter. Also, having the exhaust duct cleaned annually will help save energy and reduce a fire hazard.
10. Keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Taking control of your electricity usage can provide your budget with long term energy savings.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
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