Wash Clothes in Cold Water & Clean the Dryer Lint Screen
Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water will save almost 90% of the energy needed to run a normal load of laundry. Cleaning the dryer lint screen before each load will help it to run more efficiently.
Use Dryer Balls
Have you heard of "Dryer Balls"? They look like a dog's squeaky toy that you put in the dryer with your clothes. Manufacturers claim that they can save you money by reducing the amount of time your dryer will run when you add a dryer ball to your load of laundry.
Turn Off the Lights
Turn off the lights in rooms that are unoccupied.
Unplug Electronics and Chargers When Not in Use
Many TVs, DVD players, surround sound systems, and other consumer electronics have "Instant-On" features and small clocks. These features are consuming energy all the time. This can be very deceptive because the device looks like it's turned off. Unplug these devices from the wall. This will ensure they are not consuming energy while not in use.
Adjust the Temperature of the Refrigerator and Freezer
Refrigerators and freezers are running all the time. To ensure they are running efficiently, keep the refrigerator temperature at about 38°F and the freezer at about 0°F. Defrost the freezer when ice buildup is approximately 1/4" thick. Vacuum or brush the cooling coils (in back) at least every six months.
Run the Dishwasher Only When It's Full
A dishwasher will use the same amount of water whether it's full or not. Save water and the energy needed to heat that water by running the dishwasher only when it's full. Also, consider using the dishwasher's "delay start" feature to reduce the demand on the home's hot water.
Take Shorter Showers
Reduce shower time. Shortening a shower by just a few minutes each day can really add up. A customer can save an average of 2.5 gallons of water per minute, not to mention the energy used to heat the water. Showers are a sneaky consumer of electricity because most people forget about the energy needed to heat the water for a warm shower. Install a low-flow showerhead on each shower at home.
Let the Oven Take a Break
Small appliances such as microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers use 50% to 80% less energy than an oven or range. If meal plans allow for it, using these devices will help reduce the energy bill. They will also help keep the home cooler in the summer.
Hang the Laundry Out to Dry
Solar and wind power were around long before we started using them to power out lights! In the summer months, take advantage of the abundant solar energy and hang laundry out to dry. Hopefully they'll smell like a field of cut grass and fresh flowers!
Add a Ceiling Fan
Installing an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan is a good way to keep the air circulating in a home. Be sure to reverse the fan direction in the winter to pull the warm air off the ceiling and disperse it throughout the room. You’d be surprised what a big difference a fan can make. You might even become a fan… of your fan.
Repair Leaking and Dripping Faucets
Repair leaking and dripping hot water faucet to keep the energy used to heat the water from going down the drain. If a home has a well pump, even a leaky cold water pipe and faucet can waste energy by causing the pump to continuously cycle on and off.
Install Lighting Controls: Motion Sensors, Day/Night Photocells, and Timers
Installing motion sensors and photocell day/night sensors on outdoor lights and timers on indoor lights ensures electricity is being used to keep lights on only when necessary. In some cases, this will reduce the energy used by nearly 80%!