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® label

• Energy Star models are the most energy efficient in any product category, eceeding the energy efficiency minimums set y the federal government. Check  Energy Star 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.