Conserve

CFL Light Bulbs

Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. Changing to CFLs costs little upfront and provides a quick return on investment.

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually.

Click here to learn more about CFLs.

Cool Your World with Energy Star

Energy Star’s interactive online tool helps you reduce your energy consumption and save money.

Energy Saving Tips

If every home office product purchased in the U.S. this year were ENERGY STAR qualified, Americans would save $200 million in annual energy costs while preventing almost 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, equivalent to the emissions of 250,000 cars. (Source: ENERGY STAR)

During the summer, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home. Using a fan may allow you to set your thermostat above 78 degrees because of the increased air circulation that it creates. You are saving between 1-3%, on utility bills, for every degree above 72.

Use major appliances before noon and after 7 pm, in order to avoid peak usage times.

Use cold water whenever possible to cut back on the cost of energy it takes to heat up water.

Turn off any appliances or lights that are not in use, such as switching off lights when you leave a room.

During the summer, keep shades over south-facing windows closed during the day in order to prevent heat from entering the house. Conversely, during the winter, keep the shades on the south-facing windows open during the day and closed at night.