Energy Conservation Tips for the Campus & Home
Avoid energy intense activities during on-peak times (4:00pm - 9:00pm)
The Basics
Power Down
- Turn off or set office equipment to power down when not in use. Setting PCs, monitors
and copiers to use sleep mode when not in use can help cut energy costs by up to 50
percent. Use power strips or unplug electronics such as DVRs, game consoles and TVs
that draw power even when switched off.
Close Doors
- Leaving doors wide open to a room or building may make it more inviting to come in,
but it wastes energy. Don't prop doors open but allow them to close after people walk
through the doorway.
Stream on the Right Device
- When streaming content, choose the smallest device that makes sense for the number
of people watching. Game consoles can use 10 times more power than trheaming through
a tablet or laptop.
Look for the Energy Star庐 label
- Energy Star models are the most energy efficient in any product category, eceeding
the energy efficiency minimums set y the federal government. Check for details.
Lighting
Upgrade your lighting
- Along with LED light bulbs, use ENERGY STAR light fixtures, which use less energy
and produce less heat.
Holiday Lighting with LEDs
- During the holidays, save with LED light decorations, which use up to 90 percent less
energy than incandescent holiday lights. Save even more by setting a timer to keep
displays on only when people are seeing them.
Heating & Cooling
Adjust the thermostat
- Adjust up in the summer and shut off whent not is use. In the summer, set your air
conditioner to 78 degrees or highter. Changine the A/C thermostat from 72 to 78 degrees
can save up to 12 percent of your cooling costs.
Block direct sunlight in the summer
- Close shades and blinds during the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or
will be in use later in the day.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater
- 120 degrees F is sufficient for most common uses. A 10 degree reduction can save up
to five percent on water heating costs.
Block the chill in the winter
- Weatherstrip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep the cilly air out. During
mid-day, open open window coverings to let the sun's heat and close them at night
to block the cold.
Keep your furnace clean
- Check furnace filters once a month and replace them regularly. A dirty air filter
can increase your energy costs and cause problems with your equipment.
Look for air leaks
- Install proper caulking and weather-stripping; this can save roughly 10 - 15 perecent
on heating bills.
In the Kitchen
Keep your refrigerator full Use small appliances
- A full fridge works more efficiently than an empty one. Pack cold items together to
keep your fridge and freezer cool. Consider storing a supply of emergency water to
keep your fridge full.
Use small appliances
- Instead of using the oven use small appliances such as a microwave, toaster oven or
slow cooker. They use less energy and will not add as much heat to your home.
Maximize your dishwasher
- Running the diswasher only when full. Consider turning off the dry cycle and letting
your dishes air dry.
- Program the dishwasher to skip the pre-rinse and extra-rinse cycles, this can save
2 - 4 gallons of water per load.
Shift your use
- When possible, use heat-generating appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers,
in the morning or at night. If you are on a Time-of-Use plan, save on your bill by
shifting use to outside the on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fire up the grill
- Take the heat out of the kitchen by cooking outside.