While solar, wind and electric cars get most of the attention when it comes to clean energy, efficient appliances and buildings are like the backstage production crew that keep things running smoothly.
Energy efficiency reduces climate-change causing emissions and air pollutants, saves money for consumers and grid operators, improves reliability by reducing demand, and brings a host of additional benefits to local communities.
1. Install Energy Star Computers
Anyone who has ever shopped for technology equipment knows that the ENERGY STAR label is a trusted source of information. The EPA created Energy Star to encourage manufacturers to produce more energy efficient devices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy costs for consumers.
ENERGY STAR certified computers and monitors use 60% less energy than standard models and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saving you money and cutting your carbon footprint. In addition, they have long battery life and meet RoHS standards, which limit the presence of hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in electronics.
Many ENERGY STAR computers also have a power management feature that optimizes power settings, helping you save even more energy. These features may be turned on by default in newer computers, but if they are not, you can enable them through your operating system software. ENERGY STAR estimates that using these features can save you up to $30 each year in electricity costs for home desktop computers and up to $100 for business computer usage. That adds up quickly over time.
2. Unplug Appliances
Most families have an “unplugger” in their midst: a mom who unplugs the toaster after each use, or grandpa who unplugs everything in the kitchen before leaving for vacation. This is a great habit to get into because it does save electricity—and can help prevent fires, too. It’s estimated that you can save $100 a year by simply unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use. Unplugging is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs, and it reduces demand for fossil fuels.
Most appliances and electronics waste electricity in standby mode. Some of the worst offenders include TVs, cable boxes, and stereo equipment with LED display lights that never turn off. It may not be practical to unplug your entire entertainment system every day, but consider doing it when you’re going on vacation or changing the channel after a show.
To really see how much electricity your appliances and electronics use, invest in a handheld power monitor. Plug a device into the monitor and read its wattage to determine how many you can save by unplugging.
3. Hang Drapes
Curtains, also called window treatments, can make your home look more attractive while lowering your energy costs. They are a cost-effective “green” way to reduce your heating and cooling bills in the winter and summer. Unlike blinds, curtains block out heat and air from passing through your windows.
Consider using insulated curtains, which are thicker and have a layer of acrylic foam that provides additional insulation. These are more effective than regular curtains and can save you up to 37% on your utility bill. If you choose to order them online, measure the width of your windows before ordering so that the curtains will be a perfect fit. If your curtains need to be hemmed, hang them before installing the rod so that you can determine their new length and avoid having to hem them later.
Conventionally hung drapes only offer a nominal amount of energy efficiency, but you can improve this by installing a cornice at the top of the drapery, sealing it around both sides and overlapping them in the middle. Overlapping the drapes will further reduce heat loss by creating a tighter air space. Be sure not to hang drapes over electric baseboard heaters, as this could result in a fire hazard.
4. Plug Devices into a Power Strip
Power strips can be used to add extra sockets around the house where standard wall outlets aren’t available. They’re often used to power home theater systems, lighting controls, home workshop devices and musical instruments. Some smart power strips have advanced features that help reduce energy consumption. They contain a master outlet that monitors the power drawn by connected devices. When the strip detects that a device like a TV has entered standby mode, it switches off the other slave outlets, reducing the amount of electricity consumed by these items when they’re not in use.
However, power strips should never be used to plug in appliances that draw high amounts of wattage. Doing so can cause overheating and electrical failure. In the worst case scenario, it can lead to an electrical fire in your home. Instead, large appliances should be plugged into hard-wired building receptacles.
5. Change Your Light Bulbs
A simple upgrade can save energy, money and the environment: Replace old-school incandescent bulbs with LED or CFLs. It’s an inexpensive, easy DIY project that can reduce your electricity usage by about 30 percent.
Choose the right bulb for your needs. Watts (the amount of power used to produce a certain amount of light) and lumen levels (brightness) are the two factors you’ll need to consider. Wattage is listed on the bulb’s packaging, and lumen ratings are found on the box of each type of lightbulb you buy.
Turn off the switch and allow the old bulb to cool before removing it from the fixture. When changing a bulb, wear gloves to protect your hands from heat and possible broken glass. Make sure the new bulb’s wattage rating isn’t too high for the socket or fixture, and carefully screw it in place. If you have a bayonet-style bulb, push and twist until it retracts into the fitting. Discard the old bulb with your regular household waste or ask your local recycling service about a drop-off point.