Google PowerMeter

Energy Saving Tips

Here are some more resources to help you find ways to reduce your energy use.

Heating and Cooling:

Weatherstrip and caulk your windows and doors
Seal and insulate your home
Consider installing a Geothermal Heat Pump to heat and cool your home, save up to 70% on your heating and cooling costs.
Clean your furnace's filter monthly
Consider buying an ENERGY STAR furnace or air conditioner, insulating and sealing ducts and relocating heating and air conditioning vents.
Cover your hot water heater with an insulation blanket
Consider installing energy efficient windows or storm windows

Saving Water:

Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater to 120F or less (or until using little to no cold water in the bath/shower)
Install a low flow shower head (there are some nice ones out now-a-days)
Solar hot water heaters can reduce your hot water heating bill
Wash clothes in cold water
Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
If available, use the energy savings settings on your dishwasher and washing machine
Consider air drying your clothes. saves energy, money and keeps your clothes lasting longer.
Take a shorter shower

Computing Equipment:

Learn how to set power management on your computer
Download the Google Desktop Power Management Gadget
Buy a Climate Savers certified energy efficient computer
Plug your computer peripherals (printer, scanner, speakers, fax machine) into a powerstrip and power down when not in use.

Electronics and Home Appliances:

Turn down the brightness on your TV and computer monitor
Look for and purchase ENERGY STAR appliances and electronics
Consider replacing that old, second refrigerator in the basement - This calculator determines how much energy your refrigerator is using
Plug home electronics into a powerstrip and turn off when not in use. Or unplug appliances that you rarely use - when was the last time you used that VCR?
Don't keep your refrigerator and freezer too cold. Set temperature between 36-38 degrees F and freezers at 0-5 degrees.

Other Energy-saving Tips:

Government Programs:

Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program
Map of government and utility programs that provide incentives for energy efficiency investments