Remote Controlled Appliances

Plug remote controlled appliances like TVs, VCRs, Stereos and such into switched power strips and turn them on only when needed.

Refrigerators

Maintain the right temperature in your refrigerator and freezer which is between 38° F (3° C) and 42° F (6° C) for refrigerators. Freezers should be set between 0° F (-31° C) and 5° F (-26° C).

It takes less energy to cool a full refrigerator or freezer than an empty one so keep yours full provided that the air can still circulate.

Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year as dust and pet hairs can build up and cause the refrigerator motor to work harder.

The doors should be close tightly and stay closed

Microwaves

Use microwaves for most cooking. A microwave does small and medium cooking jobs more efficiently than an oven or range top.

Dishwasher

Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. If you need a particular dish that is dirty, don’t run a half full dishwasher to clean it, just wash it by hand.

Washing Machine

Wash in cold water on economy cycles and always have a full load. Also, 15 minutes of presoaking and 5 minutes of agitation gets clothes cleaner than 15 minutes of agitation.

Don’t over-dry clothes in the dryer. Use air dry cycles on lightweight loads while hang your clothes outside in summer.

Thermostat

Keep the thermostat between 65° F (18 to 20° C). Chances are you won’t notice a few degrees. Add extra insulation in areas that are accessible such as attics and crawl spaces. Clean filters monthly for efficient air flow.

Circulate heated air. A ceiling or portable fan running at very slow speed can help distribute warm air more evenly and reduce the desire to turn the heat up.

Air conditioners

Air conditioner filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month during use.
Maintain unobstructed air flow, both in the front and the rear. Be certain no objects are leaning on or directly in the path of incoming or exiting air flow.

Maintain temperature of 78° F (26° C). Take note that for every degree you lower the temperature, the energy costs rise by 6 %.

Use a programmable thermostat. Like heat, you only need your air conditioner when you’re home. Set timers to come on no more than 30 minutes before you arrive home.

Lighting

Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in light fixtures used the most. It uses about ¼ the energy and can last 10 times as long.

Turn off unnecessary lighting when out of the room. For fluorescent lighting, turn them off only if you’ll be away for more than 15 minutes to prolong life of the fixtures. Use low-wattage bulbs where applicable and save energy.

Make use of natural light whenever possible as they are more efficient than electric, not to mention free.

Use timers when on vacation at different times on different days. You not only save energy but you also keep the burglars and prowlers away.

Use task lighting. If you’re working diligently at a desk or workbench, other light in the room could be turned off or dimmed.

Office

Switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Lighting accounts for 40% of energy used in office buildings.

Install separate light switches for small areas. This way only those needed can be turned on.

Keep the heating and cooling to a minimum. For individual thermostat controls, keep the heat set at 65° F (18 to 20° C) and air conditioning at 76° F (24° C). Heating and cooling accounts for half the total energy use in office buildings.

Shut computers off at night. A single computer can use over 100 watts of power, and most desks have one.

Fax and copy only when necessary.

School

Always keep the “3 S’s” in mind: Do not sacrifice “Students, Security and Safety”

Recheck all Energy Management Systems “points” to verify that they are still functioning correctly.

Custodians to shut off power of electric vending machines at night.

Turn personal computer off when not in use.

Turn off “evening’ lights during the day that are at/or near sky lights. This is called “daylighting”.

Control each buildings demand using the Energy Management System.

Check classroom thermostats; make sure they are calibrated and installed level.

Put the theme of Energy conservation in school newsletter.

Timers on hot water heaters—turn off at night.

Contact your mechanical, electrical and lighting contractors to solicit energy saving ideas.

Start exhausts systems to match opening times.

Out Door

Put a motion or light-sensing control on the lights to turn them on only when you need them.

For floodlights, high-pressure sodium lights are the most energy-efficient. Halogen lights are the least efficient, so if you don't like the sodium lights, try cold-start compact fluorescent or metal halide lights.