Here are some energy-saving tips from Dominion Power:
- Plug home electronics into power strips with surge protection. Turn the strip off when the equipment is not in use.
- In the summer, raise the thermostat to 78 degrees.
- Replace regular light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). CFLs use up to 75% less energy.
- Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to block the afternoon and evening sun.
- Be more eco-efficient. Use a mug or glass instead of Styrofoam or paper cups.
- Write with refillable pens made from recycled plastic.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
- Consider electric mowers and trimmers. For smaller yards, try a reel mower.
- Consider solar-powered accent lighting for yard and garden.
- For fax machines and printers, use refillable ink cartridges and recycle old ones.
- Activate your computer's sleep mode when you leave your desk. This reduces electricity consumption to less than 5 percent of full power.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. They're inexpensive, easy to install and reduce energy and hot water use.
- Conserve by only printing what you really need.
- Only wash full loads of dishes in the dishwasher and use the energy-saving setting for the drying cycle (or let dishes air dry).
- Look for a dry cleaning service with "clean and green" processes, including reuse of hangers and garment bags.
- To save on water heating costs, use cold water to wash dishes and run the garbage disposal.
- Carpool or use public transportation. If you own a business, encourage carpooling or allow telecommuting to reduce carbon emissions.
- When building a new home, consider energy-efficient building materials.
- Save water by repairing leaky faucets. Even a slow leak wastes more than you realize.
- Shade air conditioning units with trees or shrubs, helping the unit run up to 10% more efficient.
- Defrost your manual unit freezer regularly. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.
- Weather-strip and caulk around doors and windows to rid your house of drafts and prevent leaking of heated and cooled air.
- Try to buy items that are reusable or come in reusable packaging - and make sure to reuse them.
- Look for natural furnishings that have been or can be recycled.
- Use rechargeable batteries; they can last up to twice as long as disposables.
