Energy Saving Checklist
By Nicole Nichols-West
Simple Steps
Unplug appliances, electronic devices and chargers when you aren't
using them.
Turn off lights, appliances, heating and air conditioning when not at
home.
Place your computer on sleep or standby when not in constant use.
Turn it off if you won't be using it for longer periods of time.
Don't bother using a screen saver on your computer, it's an energy
zapper!
Replace your CRT monitor with an LCD monitor which saves space and
uses one-third of the power.
If you must print, use both sides of the paper.
Donate old equipment and appliances like your cell phone, computer,
television, etc.
Find a tax consultant to help maximize the benefits.
Clean or replace filters frequently (furnace, air conditioner, clothes
dryer, dishwasher, etc).
Recycle as often as possible: glass, plastic, cardboard, paper, alu-
minum, hazardous waste like paint and batteries, mobile phones, com-
puter equipment, tvs, radios, etc.
Turn off the tap/faucet when brushing your teeth.
Wash dishes and laundry at colder temperatures when possible.
Use a clothes line and drying rack to dry laundry and dishes rather than
machine drying.
Walk, bike, share rides or use mass transit whenever possible.
If you have a swimming pool, use a pool cover to prevent heat loss by
evaporation.
Energy Saving
Get a professional evaluation.
Get an online current CO2 emission report.
Talk to your utility companies about energy saving options.
Research active and passive solar power, wind, geothermal and hy-
dropower.
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Seal up any air or water leaks in and around your home.
Consider replacing your furnace, heat pump, air conditioner and other
appliances with energy-efficient models.
Install new windows that utilize glazing, tinting and other technical
characteristics to conserve energy.
Get an insulating blanket for your water heater, especially if it's in a cold
area of your home.
Install high quality ceiling/attic insulation.
Put in energy efficient radiant floor heating that uses electric elements
or hot water pumped through coils in the floor.
Take advantage of blinds and curtains plus trees, plants and exterior
shading devices (awnings, overhangs, patio cover) to keep your house
cooler in warm temperatures.
If you have a lawn or garden, collect rainwater for maintaining a healthy
green glow.
If renovating or building, encorporate heat-absorbing, high density ma-
terials like concrete, bricks and tiles.
When building a new home, pay attention to the orientation of the house
to maximize sunlight, shading and natural air ventilation.
Install low-flow faucet/tap aerators to conserve heat and water without
water pressure loss.
Use low-wattage or compact fluorescent light bulbs, dimmer switches
and/or timers on lights.
Protect our Environment
Use water-based (not oil-based alkyd) latex paint that doesn't contain
VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Instead of using adhesives, connect carpet fittings mechanically.
Make sure you're using CFC-free air conditioning.
Get an outdoor or indoor composter for organic kitchen waste and
garden/grass cuttings.
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