Low-Cost Tips for Saving Energy

There are plenty of easy, low-cost ways to reduce your energy use – and your bill. Check out these tips to increase your savings:

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).*
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying new home products.
• Caulk and weatherstrip gaps in doors and windows.
• Set back your thermostat when you are asleep, at work, or away from home. 
• Install an ENERGY STAR®-qualified, programmable thermostat with four temperature and time settings. When used correctly, this type of thermostat can save you around $100 per year on energy costs. Learn more.
• Turn down the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees or the medium setting.
• Take advantage of natural daylight to avoid using lights during the day.
• Change the filter on your furnace and follow regular maintenance guidelines to keep it running efficiently.
• Turn off all computers, appliances and lights when not in use.
• Install low flow devices on faucets and showers - saving water can save energy, too. Learn more.
• In the winter, keep blinds and curtains open during the day and closed at night to take advantage of sun's warmth.
• During warmer months, reduce the need to run your air conditioner by closing blinds and curtains during the day and cracking a window at night.
  
  

*CFL bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury, which may be released only if the bulb is broken.  City of Boulder residents may dispose of CFL bulbs, free of charge, at the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF). For information on how to clean up a broken CFL bulb see this EPA fact sheet.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 August 2012 09:09